Lester “Dusty” Dale Rathbun


Dusty Rathbun

Lester “Dusty” Dale Rathbun was born March 9, 1936 in Dodge City, Kansas and passed away August 31, 2018.  Dusty was a loving husband to Sharon and a proud father to Kimberly and Kevin.

Dusty grew up in Dodge City, Kansas in a farming community.  He joined the Army in 1958 and was stationed in Redmond, Washington. There he met his future wife. He married Sharon Lee Rathbun nee Hayes on September 17, 1961 in Lake City. WA.  Sharon and Dusty were married for over 51 wonderful years.  They shared many adventures together in the Pacific Northwest, including a two-week fishing trip to the San Juan Islands each year.

After getting married, they lived in Dodge City, KS for 4.5 years before returning to the Pacific Northwest.  He stayed in Kirkland for 39 years before moving to Edmonds in 2005.  He loved to fish.  Dusty also enjoyed working with his hands and sightseeing with Sharon.

Dusty was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend.  He was always willing to help others.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter Kim and her husband Steve Anderson, his son Kevin and wife Becky Lee, his grandchildren Lucas and Logan along with a large extended family on both his and Sharon’s side.

Dusty was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, parents Lester and Elizabeth Velma Rathbun, and his brother Doral Gene.

His family appreciates all the prayers and support.  A memorial will be held at the Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave; Edmonds on September 22 at 2:00pm.  It’s a place where Dusty and Sharon love to look out over Puget Sound and watch the ferries.  He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Abbey View Memorial Park and Cemetery in Brier, WA.  (http://www.washelli.com/property/abbey-view-memorial-park/)

In lieu of flowers, the Rathbun family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association of Washington.  http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp