Ralph Eugene Hearn Sr., 91, of Chehalis, Wash., passed away Aug. 15, 2017, after a lengthy battle with heart disease. He was born in Chehalis June 10, 1926.
Ralph attended Chehalis High School (now W.F. West) and was inducted into the United States Army in 1944. His service was primarily at the White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico, established for testing German and American long range rockets and the first atomic bomb test (Trinity). Ralph was a sharpshooter, as anyone who has hunted with him can attest. Many years later, he took various forestry courses at Centralia College.
He married Helen Alice Hansen, daughter of Hans and Laura Hansen, July 14, 1950. They were married for 67 years, always living on the Newaukum Valley Road.
Ralph worked as a forestry technician for the State of Washington for 13 years. Prior to that, he worked at Shakertown, Inc., the Mayfield Dam and at Warren Brothers Chevrolet. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and horseback riding in his younger days and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1550.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; four children, Ralph (Hai Yan) Hearn Jr., Vickie (John) Penny, Susan Hearn and Laurie (Jim) Daresta; as well as grandchildren, Jessica (Dean) Richmond, Whitney Penny and Steven Hearn. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family members.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, William Earl and Verda Francis (Smith) Hearn; five brothers, Roy (Jackie) Hearn, Robert (Betty) Hearn, Richard (Velda) Hearn, Donald (Fran) Hearn and William Hearn; and five sisters, Geraldine (Douglas) Cowley, Ada (Cleo) Pier, Faye (Ralph) Detering, Esther (Roy) Moses and Loretta Hearn.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, at the Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold Street, Centralia, Wash. A reception will follow the service in Sticklin’s Hospitality Room.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Assured Hospice (HospiceWePromise.com,) 2120 Northpark Drive, Centralia, WA 98531.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, WA 98531. 360-736-1388.
Condolences may be offered at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com
