Don Rock

Donald Rock
October 28, 1931 - June 16, 2025
     Donald J. "Donnie"  Rock, 93, of Hermiston, Oregon passed away at his home on June 16, 2025. A  graveside service with military honors will be held at Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway, Oregon on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of life is scheduled at Donnie’s home in Hermiston on October 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
     Donnie was born October 28, 1931 in Huntington, Oregon. He was the middle child of Joe and Mabel Rock. He was raised in Halfway, Oregon, and this is where his passion for horses and rodeo began. As a boy he grew up breaking and riding horses, fishing and backpacking with his good friend Bill Waldron in the hills around the valley and into the Imnaha. In 1949 he graduated from Pine Valley High School and joined the United States Navy where he traveled the world, later on being stationed in "Sunny San Diego" as he fondly referred to it. In 1954 he married his wife Donna Dene "DD" and went on to work for the FAA, eventually moving to Hermiston, Oregon, where he lived until his passing.
     Donnie was actively involved with the Umatilla Sage Riders, Mustangers, Milton-Freewater Pioneer Posse and volunteered at the Umatilla County Fair and Rodeo, Western States Junior Rodeo and the Pendleton Round-Up for many years. Enjoying all things rodeo, he spent much of his time attending team ropings, rodeos and playdays watching many of his friends and family compete. However, Labor Day weekend in Halfway, Oregon for the Baker County Fair and Rodeo was always where his heart longed to be – where once he used to compete and then later had the honor of serving as Grand Marshal for the annual Labor Day parade. Of course, he always attended the famous class reunion and steak feed for a good catch-up visit with friends and family alike. He never knew a stranger.
     Donnie was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Mabel Rock; brother Gordon Rock; sister Nellie Fitch, and his wife of 67 years Donna "DD" Rock.
     His survivors include stepdaughters Joann (Dan) Rowland of Montana and Guetheoland Winebarger of Michigan; grandchildren LeLand (Shannon) Winebarger of Hermiston and Valoree (Gary) Thompson of Michigan, Emilo Leal of Hermiston and Abraham (Maggie) Rodriguez of Hermiston; brother-in-law and lifelong friend Paul Fitch. He had four great-grands Stephen, Elexus, Dakota and Layton and eight great-great-grands, two nieces and a nephew and many dear friends.
     A very heartfelt thank you to the Maria Leal family for all the love and care they shared with Donnie and Donna over many years of friendship. To Layton and Abby Winebarger for being his loving and devoted caregivers so that he could remain at home until his passing. The Hospice nurses and chaplain for all the care and support we all needed during this time. To all the friends and neighbors that came by to visit and share their love and support for us all. Your friendships and kindness meant the world to Donnie and to all of his family. Thank you.

     Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com