Obituary of Vearl J. Blackwell

VEARL J. BLACKWELL Vearl J. Blackwell, of Washougal, died peacefully at home April 2, 2012, and went home to be with our Lord. He was 94. He was born April 30, 1917, in Armington, Ill., to Asa and Carrie Blackwell. They moved to Whiting, Iowa in 1921. He graduated from Whiting High School in 1936. He met the love of his life, Jayna Moon, when she came into the Blackwell Market. They were married on March 16, 1941. Vearl then served four years in the United States Army. Vearl and Jayna moved to Washougal in 1948, and each year traveled back to Iowa to visit family. He worked at various businesses in the Camas-Washougal area, and owned Clauson Office Supply in Vancouver from 1975 to 1991. He was an active member of Bethel Community Church in Washougal where he served in many ways including as a youth director and choir director. Vearl loved life, people and his family, with whom he shared his love of music and cars. Vearl is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jayna; daughter, Catherine Dale Cotton; grandson, Adam Joanne Cotton; cousin, Doris Lancaster; nephew, John Sandy Dean; nieces, Carolyn Tom Hoy, Pat Ted Young and Donna Peterson. A memorial service with military honors will be held Saturday, April 21, at 3 p.m., at Bethel Community Church. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations can be made to Bethel Community Church. To send condolences or sign the online guest book, visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.