Donald Dean Dirks was born in Kansas November 18, 1936 to John and Edna Dirks. Don later moved with his parents to Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Don met the love of his life, Sharon Lynne Barton and they married on August 3, 1958 in Bonners Ferry. Don and Sharon had three children, Loren, Darrell and Dawn Marie. Don and Sharon moved the family to Republic, Washington where they later built a home in 1972. Don spent many years driving log truck in various locations, even ending up in Alaska for a time being. Don enjoyed building and racing stock cars, riding snowmobiles, camping, fishing and was an avid watcher of car races. Don and Sharon enjoyed 12 winters in Arizona and made many great friends there.

Don was a proud member of the Republic Eagles since 1973, Republic Jaycees and was a founding member of the Republic Tree Bender Club (even designing the patch).

Over the years Don and Sharon lived in Republic, Yakima, Bonners Ferry and back to Republic again; they always called Republic their home. Don and Sharon enjoyed many great adventures together in their 66 years of marriage.

Don is survived by his loving wife Sharon, Brother Johnny (Debbie) Dirks, Sister Twyla (Bill) Cope. Children Loren Dirks, Darrell (Heather) Dirks, and Dawn (Bill) Polensky. Grandchildren Chandra Martin, Jamie Evans, Nikki Dirks, Lexi Polensky, Jaydon Dirks, and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Edna Dirks, brother Gaylord and sister in-law Mary Dirks, and grandson Jesse William Polensky.

Don passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024 at Ferry County Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Graveside services will be decided at a later date.