Donald Kowalis, 67, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2014 in Yuma. He was born on July 19, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Klammath Falls, Oregon where he graduated from high school and was a lumberjack prior to joining the U.S. Marine Corps and becoming a decorated marine in the Vietnam War. He ran Robert's Hardware in Klammath Falls. He became a specialty contractor and enjoyed remodeling and creating new things. He was a member of several organizations over the years including Eagles Club in Reedsport Oregon, Moose Lodge in Lakeside Oregon, and Southwest Bow Hunters in Yuma. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Betty Kowalis; brother, Ronald Kowalis. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Kowalis of Yuma, AZ; brother, John (Toni) Kowalis of Salem, OR; sister, Sharon (Wiliam) Gano of Vancouver, WA; sister-in-law, Marilyn Kowalis of Yuma, AZ; daughters, Tracy (Cipi) Cardenas and Shelly Kowalis of Gilbert, AZ, Norma Young of Glendale, AZ, Angela Young and Barbra Young of Yuma, AZ; son, Aaron (Mandy) Young of Yuma, AZ; grandchildren, Nichole (Robert) Hamer of Ft. Bragg, NC, Lynda (Gerald) Beck of Roseville, CA, Easton Cardenas of Chandler, AZ, Cody Cardenas and Roman Kowalis of Gilbert, AZ, Rebecca Hart, Jennah Isreals-Young and Mikie Young of Yuma, AZ; great-grandchildren, Brianna Beck and Ayden Hamer. Our Knight in Shining Armor will be greatly missed by all who knew him and never forgotten by us who love him. A Memorial service will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the Elks Lodge, 2300 S Elks Lane, Yuma. In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts will be welcomed by the family.