Edward Gene Retherford, 77, a Harbor resident for many years, died at Montesano Health and Rehabilitation Center, Friday, January 6, 2012. Gene was born in Woodville, TX, July 11, 1934, the son of Richard and Beulah Mae (Windom) Retherford. He was raised in Texas and moved to Illinois at the age of 16.
Gene worked in a building materials yard in Illinois and then worked in construction and masonry.
He was married to LaVerne Waline in Woodstock, Illinois in 1955. They first came to the Harbor in 1956 returning to Illinois for a while. They returned to the Harbor in 1963 and Gene worked in shake mills before working for Weyerhaeuser for 23 years. He retired in 1984.
Gene liked to hunt and fish, woodworking, gardening and was a rockhound. He had raised Welch Corgi dogs, collect arrow heads and antique irons.
Besides his wife of 56 years of the family home in Hoquiam, Gene is survived by two sons: Edward F., Aberdeen and Richard G. Retherford, Montesano; three daughters: Ann and husband Denny Tice, Humptulips, Virginia and husband Doug Krikava, McCleary and Debbie and husband Bill Felton, Helena, MT; a brother: T. R. and wife Glenda Retherford, Rosevine, TX; seven sisters: Mary and husband Pete Coon, Mayme Mitchell, Melba Rice, Sharon Leech, Joanne and husband, Robert Modisette and Linda Funk, all of Texas and Judy in Arkansas; and also 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Charles and Calvin Retherford, and a sisters; LaRue Collier.
Visitation will be held at Fern Hill Funeral Home from 2:00 PM tp 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 8, 2012.
A memorial service will be held at Noon Monday, January 9th at Immanuel Baptist Church, Hoquiam. Reverend W. Kent Gravley, pastor of the church, will officiate. A private graveside was held in Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen.
A card of condolence may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.
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