Vern Gordon Hawley

Vern Gordon Hawley, 69, of Othello, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at the Coventry House in Othello.

Vern was born to Gordon and Opal (Hastings) Hawley on September 19, 1943 in Wenatchee, WA. His family moved to Harrison, Idaho in 1949 where Vern graduated from Kootenai High School in 1962. The family moved to Othello and Vern entered the U.S. Navy. He served from 1963 until his discharge in 1967. He returned to Othello and went to work for Lockwood Parts in irrigation, working on their circle systems. He met Melinda Jones and on September 4, 1970 they were married. He continued to work in agriculture, he also drove truck for other farmers in the area and in the late 70's he went to work as a heavy equipment operator for Adams County. After a few years he left the county and focuses on his farm and his cattle operation. He bought the farm on Hampton Rd in 1980 and lived there until he moved into the Coventry house earlier this year. Vern loved the farm and enjoyed all aspects of the life. He returned to the county in the mid 80's retiring in 2008. After he retired he helped his wife through her illness until her death. He also stayed active in farming by helping his daughters on their farms. He enjoyed his time with his son-in-law Richard, telling how to do things.

Vern first love was his family followed closely there after by the farm. He was an avid race fan and liked to travel to the Ephrata Race Track for the car races. He enjoyed traveling with Melinda, especially on their cruises. The family enjoys the memory of their camping trips to blue lake. He will be remembered as devoted husband and father and though reserved he was very giving and caring. He was proud that he was able to help in the building of the new Othello Nazarene Church.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Melinda. He is survived by his two daughters Jenny (Brandon) Larmer of Mohler, WA and Jill (Richard) Smith of Hermiston, OR; his 3 brothers Bud (Judy) of Ronald, WA, Larry (Harriet) of Othello and Ron (Claudia) of Grapevine, and 5 grandchildren.

A time for final visitation has been set aside for Vern at Stevens Funeral Chapel on Thursday, August 8, 2013 beginning at 4:00 and continuing until 7:00. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday August9, 2013 at the Othello Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 AM, with burial to follow at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel. You are invited to visit stevensfuneralchapel.com to sign the guest book and to leave a note for the family.