Donald "Donnie" P. Fender passed away August 25, 2021

FENDER—Donald “Donnie” P. Fender passed away Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021.

Donnie was born in Prineville, Ore., to Charlie and Mildred Fender. The family moved to Florence, where Donnie and his three siblings — two brothers and one sister — enjoyed the great outdoors.

Donnie was an outstanding athlete in football and especially wrestling while attending Siuslaw High School. He came close to achieving his goal of being No. 1 in the State of Oregon in his weight class; he took second that year in state.

After high school, Donnie jointed the military where he was stationed in Guam.

After his service in the military, Donnie returned to Oregon, where he worked in the timber industry and began an extensive career as a fisherman. Donnie became an outstanding salmon and steelhead fisherman. If you ever got the privilege to fish with Donnie, you know you would catch fish.

Donnie was also a big fan of Oregon State Beavers. He loved his sports very much and liked to make a wager or two.

Donnie is survived by his life partner Celia Maples; her two daughters, Shelly Circle of the Florence area and Michele Nordahl of Wichita, Kansas; four grandchildren, Angela Allen, Dustin Circle and Patsy Erikson of Florence, and Chad Harbour-Nordahl of Cheney, Kansas.

In addition, he had seven great-grandkids with whom he loved playing basketball in the driveway and hitting golf balls with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no memorial services at Donnie’s request.