Obituary - Donald W. Castellaw

Donald (Don) Castellaw, 87, Moscow

Donald (Don) Castellaw, 87, of Moscow, died peacefully Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, at his son's home in Clarkston.

Donald Wayne Castellaw was born Feb. 26, 1924, to Theodore and Ethel Castellaw in Bayard, Neb. He attended school in Bayard and Fruitland, Idaho, and graduated from Fruitland High School. He enrolled at the University of Idaho in 1942. His education was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served during World War II in the European Theater from 1943-1945. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and later was with the American forces when they met the Russians at the Elbe River. Don returned to the University of Idaho and graduated in 1954 with a bachelor of science degree in Agriculture. He continued to love and support the U of I throughout his life.

He was married to Geraldine (Gerry) Potter in the Coeur d'Alene Presbyterian Chapel June 5, 1947. Don began his agriculture career as head field man for Gem Canning Company in Emmett, Idaho. He moved back to Moscow to work for Crites Moscow Growers. In 1963 he became a partner in Jones Farm Chemical and later became sole owner in 1967. The company then transitioned to Empire Farm Chemicals and later became Empire Inc., when it specialized in seed treatment, serving seed and grain companies throughout the Northwest.

His involvement in the community included serving as a member of the Moscow School Board for seven years and as a member of the Lions Club in both Emmett and Moscow. He was past president of the Inland Empire Fertilizer Dealers Association and past president of the Idaho-Washington Chemical Dealers Association.

His hobbies included rock polishing, oil painting, golf, fishing, boating and travel. He spent summers in Moscow and winters in Yuma, Ariz.

He is survived and will be missed by his three children and their spouses; his six grandchildren and spouses; his sister; and niece and her husband. He was preceded in death by his wife, mother and father.

Contributions can be made in his memory to the Moscow Presbyterian Church or the Donald W. and Gerry E. Castellaw Agricultural and Life Sciences Scholarship Endowment, College of Agriculture, University of Idaho.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Short's Funeral Chapel in Moscow, followed by a graveside gathering.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow, and online condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.

Lewiston Tribune, January 10, 2012, p. 5C
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock

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