William Edgar Nafziger

William Edgar Nafziger passed away Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, at the age of 90. Ed was born on Dec. 12, 1917, to William Edgar and Mary Zehr Nafziger near Springfield, Mo.

Ed was a pioneer smoke jumper successfully completing 29 jumps. Ed was fascinated by the things he found on the ground once he got there and had a life long love of geology. He was a farmer, and became an educator, earning his master’s degree at Seattle Pacific University and led 38 hiking tours through the Grand Canyon. Ed also studied the Bible and was involved in the Bible Science Association as well as Ephrata First Baptist Church.

Ed is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Shirley Nafziger, his children Larry Nafziger of Milton Freewater, Ore., Sanford Nafziger of Fairview, Calif. and Susan Hepner of Ephrata, a sister, EmmaLine Allason and a brother, Ralph Nafziger, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death are a sister, EvaLine Lecompte and a grandson, Ronald Nafziger.

Following a private interment at the Ephrata Cemetery, a memorial service will be held at the Eprata First Baptist Church, 327 C St. S.W., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, Pastor Gary Nock, officiating. Arrangements are in care of Benson Family Funeral Service, Moses Lake.