Charles “Delbert” (“Del”) Prewitt was born on July 26, 1930, in Twisp, Washington, and passed away at his home in Tacoma on July 28, 2026, at the age of 96.
Del was the oldest of four children born to Art and Edna Prewitt. He grew up on the family ranch near Balky Hill in Twisp, where he developed a lifelong love of ranching, horses, hunting, fishing, and the Methow Valley. During his school years he excelled at sports and formed enduring friendships. He graduated from Twisp High School in 1948, although the class did not have a graduation ceremony because of the historic 1948 flood.
After high school, Del worked for the U.S. Forest Service on trail crews, eventually becoming a trail boss because of his knowledge of horses and the backcountry. He often joked that giving a young man dynamite was an adventure in itself.
When the Korean War began, Del enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1950 to 1955. While stationed in Japan, he married Kyoko Tateishi in 1953. After returning to the United States, they had three sons: Trace, Craig, and Zane.
Following his military service, Del worked at the Wagner Lumber Mill in Twisp before moving to Cheney to attend Eastern Washington College while supporting his family by working at Eastern State Hospital. He completed college in just three years, then fulfilled his dream of becoming a physician by graduating from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1962. During his internship on Staten Island, New York, he also learned to fly, beginning another lifelong passion.
Del completed his residency in Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat) at the University of Minnesota, where he met beloved wife, Donna Fruen. They married in 1965 and celebrated 61 wonderful years together earlier this year.
After residency, Del and Donna settled in Tacoma, where he practiced as an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist for 44 years. He loved caring for patients and encouraged generations of young people to pursue higher education. His influence is reflected in a family that includes physicians, physical therapists, and other professionals.
Despite a demanding medical career, Del never lost his love of ranching. He purchased the Prewitt family homestead to support his parents. He later acquired additional ranch properties in the Methow Valley, including the PM&M Ranch with Dr. Dan McNally and his close friend Dr. Juris Macs, and the Big Buck Ranch. He created the Lazy 3 brand in honor of his three sons. Ultimately, he owned over 1,000 acres along with extensive grazing permits. Committed to preserving the valley’s agricultural heritage and open spaces, he placed conservation easements on several of his ranches.
Del embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed horse pack trips into the Pasayten and Sawtooth Wilderness, raising cattle, hunting throughout the West, Alaska, and the Yukon, flying his own airplane, playing basketball well into his 60s, and traveling extensively. He and Donna especially treasured their annual trips to Maui for more than 30 years.
Above all, Del valued family and friendships. He was known for carrying index cards with the names of friends and relatives so he could remember to stay in touch. In his final year, some of his greatest joys came from visits with lifelong friends, hunting companions, siblings, and family. He was deeply touched by the love shown to him.
Del was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Edna Prewitt; his brother, Lee; and many extended family members. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his sons, Trace of Enumclaw, Craig (Caroline) of University Place, and Zane of Wisconsin; his siblings; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A viewing will be held in Tacoma at Tuell-McKee Funeral Home between 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, located at 2215 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, WA 98403.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, at Community Covenant Church, 710 Highway 20 North, Twisp, Washington. Viewing will be from 1-1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. A private family graveside service with military honors will take place at Beaver Creek Cemetery. A reception for all family and friends will follow at 4 p.m., 993 Twisp-Carlton Road (Red Roof area), hosted at Ina Remsberg’s home.
