Donald Earl Fargo

Donald “Don” Earl Fargo, a lifetime resident of Grays Harbor, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at his home in Elma, Washington. He was 80 years old.

Don was born on February 17, 1946, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Jesse and Lorenia (Long) Fargo. He was raised in the Central Park area alongside his 5 siblings. Don developed a love for golf at an early age and as a teenager, worked as a caddy at the Grays Harbor Country Club. He graduated from J.M. Weatherwax High School in 1964.

In 1969, Don married Pamela Stein, they welcomed 3 children into the world, sons: Jeff and Jason, and daughter, Donna. Don and Pam later divorced in 1975. He began his working career with the Grays Harbor Paper Company, where he was employed for many years. During this time, he met the love of his life and future best friend, Janice “Jan”. The couple married on September 17, 1977, in Hoquiam, Washington. Their family grew with the births of Donald and Sherri, completing their beautiful family. Don continued to be a loving father, role model, and devoted presence in the lives of his wife and children. The family lived in Hoquiam for a time before Don left the paper company to work for Anderson and Middleton Logging. He later made a career change and became a transit bus driver with Grays Harbor Transit, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. Beginning as a driver, Don worked his way up to supervisor, where he also taught defensive driving classes. He dedicated more than 20 years to the transit system before he retired, and purchased his forever home in Elma, Washington. Although Don and Jan eventually divorced, they remained the best of friends and made a lasting promise to continue looking after one another. Their enduring friendship was a testament to the special bond they shared.

Don believed in giving back to his community and served on the Hoquiam City Council for a period of time. He was a lifetime member of the Hoquiam VFW, a member of the Elma Eagles and AWPPW, where he served as a shop steward and union representative. In his younger years, Don was also a member of the Stump Busters, a local jeep club, and participated in various pool leagues. He was an active member of the Grays Harbor Dance Club, where he enjoyed ballroom dancing.

Don had a competitive spirit and enjoyed playing pool, cards, and golf, but he always appreciated the friendly competition and camaraderie that came with these activities. His love for golf remained a constant source of joy throughout his life. Above all, Don’s greatest happiness came from spending time with his family and friends. He treasured the moments they shared and the relationships he built throughout his life. Don will be remembered for his big heart, kindness, gentle nature, unwavering love for his family, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever someone needed it. Don leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and community that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Don is reunited with his parents, Jesse and Lorenia Fargo; his brother, Jack Fargo; and brother-in-law, Harold Harding.

Don is lovingly remembered by his 5 children: Jeff (Jennifer) Fargo, of Vancouver, Washington, Jason (Crystal) Fargo, of Aberdeen, Washington, Donald Fargo, of Elma, Washington, Donna (Ron) Spomer, of Cody, Wyoming, and Sherri (Josh) Kinder, of Port Orchard, Washington; his lifelong best friend, Jan Fargo, of Port Orchard, Washington; brother, Cliff (Cindy) Jez, of North River; and sisters: Linda Brown of Central Park, Judy Harding, of Central Park, and Barbara (Michael) Burton, of Olympia, Washington. He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren: Jana, Janessa, Mike, Haley, Jackie, Jesse, Tenniessa, Alexis, Connor, Autumn, Brian, Joshua, Elijah, Noah, Samuel, Lucy, and Bernadette; 9 great grandchildren, as well as many extended family and friends who loved Don and cared for him deeply.

A luncheon celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, located at the Aberdeen Senior Center. 208 W. Market St., Aberdeen, WA 98520. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Aberdeen Senior Center. If you wish to leave a memory or note of condolence for the family, please visit www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington