Herbert R Hawley Jr June 16, 1925 — February 10, 2025 Independence
It is with an equal measure of sorrow and gratitude that the family of Herbert R Hawley, Jr. announce his departure from this earthly life on to eternal life with his Lord and Savior. Herb passed peacefully at home in Independence, Missouri on Monday, February 10, 2025. During the last weeks of his life, all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, along with many neighbors and church friends had the opportunity to visit and reminisce with him—sharing songs, scriptures, stories of his life and joys that awaited him. Even as strength faded he was strong in his testimony of Christ, and his eagerness to be with family and friends again.
Herb was born June 16, 1925, to Herbert and Mildred Hawley, in Garibaldi, Oregon, a small mill town overlooking the Pacific Ocean. His family later moved to Tillamook, Oregon where his brother Harold, and sisters Luella and Emily were born. As a young teenager, he was baptized and confirmed into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For the rest of his life, he would mark this as a sacred moment, committing his life to Jesus Christ.
In the summer of 1943, just after turning 18, and before his senior year of high school, he was drafted by the Army and began training with the 83rd Infantry, 329th Regiment. It was his first time away from home, riding a train, flying in an airplane, and being on the sea. Excitement, fear, death, and prayer filled his days for the next two years. He was called “Preach” by his comrades…a name he was proud to claim. He was always eager to tell how he was miraculously spared from harm numerous times even as he fought in five major campaigns…the Battle of Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, the Ardennes and Central Europe. He witnessed the horror of concentration camps in Dachau, and helped many displaced persons in France and Belgium. Before turning 21, he had known the best of life and seen the worst of what men could do.
Shortly after returning home he met his lifelong companion, Luella Slover, They were married on June 23,1946. They built a 22x22 pumice block home on one acre of timbered land on the outskirts of Woodburn, Oregon. Over time the home and property expanded. They grew strawberries and blackberries to sell to local commercial canaries, and raised three children…Barbara, Gary and Susan. During much of the time Herb worked for a local hardware store, selling and repairing appliances and heating systems, and later at a local lumberyard learning from a master carpenter; honing skills that made it possible to help many families through the years.
He also became very active in the church, and was ordained to the office of Priest, and a few years later to the office of Elder. He and the family were well known and loved by members all around the Pacific Northwest as he served in lay roles as a minister, administrator, camp director, and pastor.
In the years between 1953 and 1963 Herb and Luella balanced church responsibilities, full and part time employment, the farm, and Herb’s college education. Two years spent at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa are often described as pivotal in his lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Friendship and respect for his favorite instructors, Roy Cheville and Jerry Runkle forever shaped him and his ministry. He earned his A.A. Degree and returned again eight years later to work toward his B.A…each time bringing his growing family along.
He received his Education degree from Mount Angel Abby, in Mt. Angel, Oregon and his dream of being a teacher came true. He taught 5th and 6th grade at Woodburn Middle School for seven years before taking a position as a special education teacher. He then taught remedial reading for several more years. He loved working with his students and challenging them to seize life.
In 1979, Herb left teaching, feeling a call to move to Independence, Missouri. His children with their young families soon followed. He and Luella both took jobs at the Auditorium where he was the Auditorium carpenter and she was a secretary for the worship office. Building cabinetry and refinishing desks, and pianos was his specialty. Here he met many of the ministers whose books he had studied and friendships grew. In 1989 he retired again.
In 1988 Herb and Luella joined the South Chrysler Restoration Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ and became active in ministries there. In 1998 Luella suffered a debilitating double aneurism and they moved from their home to their daughter’s…Susan and Ralph, Jeff and Chris Nunn. The loving care here allowed them to age gracefully surrounded by family. What was thought would be a short term arrangement became 27 years.
After Luella passed in 2019, life slowed. Still, he remained interested in the comings and goings of his friends, children and grandchildren. With Susan’s help every birthday and holiday was remembered with cards and personal notes. Every new achievement and young life was celebrated. Each visit afforded time to share a testimony of God's love. Technology brought church to him each week, and DVDs with sermons and song filled his alone time. Memories of people who had blessed his life remained fresh and stories were recounted; even until his last few days. His Bible was read again and again…always open near his chair.
Needless to say, Dad and Grandpa will be greatly missed by his children, Barbara Garwood; Gary Hawley and wife, Donna; Susan Nunn and husband Ralph; 7 grandchildren…Carrie, Julie, Jennifer, Jared, Jacob, Jeffrey, and Christopher, 16 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, and more friends than we can count. For 99 years he has always been with us. But none of us would deny him this wonderful new journey. He had prepared himself, and filled his time on Earth with goodness and love. And so, until we greet each other again in the Kingdom, he will be forever held in our hearts!Internment will be at Valor Park Memorial Gardens, Grain Valley, Mo
In lieu of flowers Herb requested that any monetary donations be sent to Center Place Restoration School in Independence.
Thank you for your many years of love and friendship. Special thanks to the wonderful caregivers from St. Luke’s Hospice. You have blessed all of us.
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