Nov. 19, 2017 Lonnie H. Enyeart Sr. passed from this earth peacefully and joined his parents and brother in heaven. He is survived by his loving wife Loretta (Laurie); six children; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
On May 19, 1936 Lonnie Horace Enyeart was born in Darrington, Washington to Horace D. and Goldie A. Enyeart. They had three sons: Lester, Lonnie and Charles. Lonnie joined the Navy at the age of 17 for adventure and to see the world. During his tour in the Territory of Hawai’i, he met Loretta G. Pedra while she was attending college in Honolulu. Loretta, a small-town Portuguese girl from Na’alehu on the “Big Island”, fell for and married the sailor just three months later.
Once married they moved to the “Mainland,” Darrington, where they began their family in earnest. While living in Washington three sons were born: Lonnie Jr., Charles and John. They moved back to Honolulu, Hawai’i where two daughters were born: Carmen and Misty. The third daughter, Theresa, was born when the family returned to Washington.
Lonnie worked in several occupations always striving to provide for his growing family. They settled down in Whatcom County where all six children graduated from Ferndale High School. Lonnie retired from Temco after 20-plus years and he and Laurie moved to Mesa, Arizona to enjoy a more comfortable climate. They enjoyed trips back to Washington and visits from their children, grandchildren and great-grandson.
He always had a smile, a wave and good things to say about the people he encountered along his journey. We are all better for having known him and his family is blessed to call him Dad, Pops, Grandpa, Bud and Papa.
There will be a graveside service and interment in Queen of Heaven Cemetary in Mesa, on Dec. 5, 2017 at noon with Deacon Tom Ferreira. The Enyeart family will be hosting a celebration of life in May of 2018 in Washington State.
