Donald Eugene Gosseen passed away peacefully on August 10, 2010 at age 77. Born to Ray and Jessie Gosseen on August 25, 1932 in Monett, Missouri, Don grew up in the beautiful hills of Arkansas and Missouri. At the age of 16 he entered the Army during the Korean Conflict, then mustered out four years later at Fort Lewis and landed in the Tri-Cities in 1952. After marrying Carol Eickmeyer, Don enjoyed an exciting career and many adventures. He worked as an ironworker on the Columbia River Blue Bridge, a switchman with Northern Pacific and even survived being run over by a train, a Franklin County deputy, a Pasco fireman, a Franklin County Under-Sheriff and a welding radiographer- all before he became a pipefitter/welder and proud member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 598, which he retired from after 31 years. His hobbies included collecting antique handguns as well as woodworking and tinkering with his prized '69 El Camino SS. He was a proud and dedicated Democrat in a sea of Republicans. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Jessie Gosseen and his stepmother, Leoma. Survivors include Carol, his wife of 55 years; daughter, Dawn Rick Jennings of Edgewood, WA.; sons, Randy Sherry of Pasco, Tom Ellen of Seattle, Tim Kim of Pensacola, FL.; grandsons, Erik Jennings, Mike Schlect, Nick, Alex and Chris Gosseen; granddaughters, Katie Morris, Erin and Taylor Gosseen. He was also a beloved uncle to Katryna Barber and Andy Johnson. Don lived his life with integrity and felt a deep love for his country and family. He was a true gentleman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice at The Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336. An open house will be held at the Gosseen home on Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.