Henry G. Wasson, age 88, passed away June 10, 2026, at Chehalis West Assisted Living Facility in Chehalis, Washington.
Henry was born December 29, 1937, in Mineral, Washington to Henry and Agnes Wasson, where he grew up alongside his brothers, Jack and Richard Wasson.
Growing up in Mineral gave Henry (and best-friend Ed) the unique opportunity to explore all that the great outdoors has to offer. The pair spent all their free time outside fishing, hunting, camping, swimming, and bicycling. Henry carried his love of the outdoors with him throughout his life and always had a story to share about one adventure or another.
After graduating from Morton High School in 1956, Henry worked for his dad’s logging company and then moved to Alaska to work on a commercial fishing boat. Having saved up enough money, he returned to Washington to marry Deanna Tunks on September 22, 1961. The newlyweds, along with Ed and Donna Lilloren, moved to Yakima, WA and attended Central Washington University where the foursome all earned their teaching degrees. From there, the couple and their first child Lynn moved to Adna, WA where Deanna taught elementary school and Henry taught high school shop classes and driver’s education. Although they originally planned to teach in Adna for only a year or two before moving to Alaska, Henry and Deanna fell in love with the community and chose to stay and raise their family there.
Henry loved teaching and he especially loved teaching his students skills that could help them earn a living wage. As a shop teacher, Henry taught industrial arts including woodworking, welding, small engines, drafting and carpentry. He was so proud when past students would return to share how they were able to use skills they learned in shop as young adults.
After retirement, the foursome (Henry, Deanna, Ed and Donna) continued their adventures together. The four traveled extensively within the U.S. and around the world. Their travels took them to every continent except Antarctica, 46 countries and all 50 states. As expected, the couples made lifelong friends wherever they went.
With a passion for life, Henry’s passing is mourned by friends and family around the globe. He is survived by his mother, Agnes Wasson (105 years old); brother, Richard Wasson; daughter and husband, Lynn and Mike Panther; son and wife, David and Karla Wasson; six grandchildren, Jacob Buttrey, Lindsey James, Jessica Mohoric, Jessica Pendleton, Lane Wasson and Madelynn Panther; and 10 great grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edwin and Donna Lilloren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dayton and Jo Ann Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private graveside service will be held at the Wasson Pleasant Hill Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at Adna High School at 1:00 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2026. Address: 121 Adna School Road, Adna, WA. For RSVP or inquiries, please contact mlmpanther.3@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Adna Scholarship fund. adnascholarshipfoundationpres@gmail.com
