David Ehl, a co-founder of the Federal Way Farmers Market, died Feb. 1 after an illness at age 88.
Ehl was born Aug. 19, 1937, in Santa Monica, California. He and his wife, Rose, were married for 66 years. The Ehl family moved to the Federal Way area in 1990, where he continued a sales career in auto financing that covered Washington and Oregon.
David, Rose and their daughter Karla Kolibab launched the Federal Way Farmers Market in 2003. The family owned and operated the community staple for 21 years before handing it over to the city. David was known for running the donut machine at the market for 15 years. He had regular customers and was known by some people as “the donut man,” according to Rose.
David also served two years in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of E-4, and was a friend of the local VFW.
“He would want the community to know that God loves them and that he’s in Heaven waiting for his family and friends,” Rose said.
He is survived by his wife, Rose, their children Karla Kolibab, David Kent Ehl Jr., and Kevin Ehl, and their seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A military ceremony will be held the morning of March 5 at Tahoma National Cemetery, and a celebration of life is scheduled for 1 p.m. March 5 at Family Life Community Church, 32275 32nd Ave. S., Federal Way.
David Ehl, pictured at the Federal Way Farmers Market making donuts. Courtesy photo
David Ehl, right, with his wife, Rose. Courtesy photo
