Edwin Stearns

December 14, 1923 - May 28, 2015

Edwin Roy Stearns was born on December 14, 1923 to Roy James Stearns and Laurel (Rhoades) Stearns in Elma, Washington. Edwin passed away peacefully on May 28, 2015 at the age of 91. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1943, serving during WW II and was awarded the Purple Heart after he was wounded by a sniper bullet on the island of Saipan during Army maneuvers. He was honorably discharged in June of 1946. Edwin made his home in Bay Center where he lived all of his life. He owned and operated a logging company with his brother James and went on to own and operate his own log truck company. In later years he owned and operated a mechanics shop and gas station at his own home. He was able to fix anything and everyone in the area relied on him. He also enjoyed seasonal gillnetting, maintaining his farm and raising animals. He especially loved his little dog Hattie. He is survived by his children, daughter Eileen Stearns-Raff and her husband Bill Raff of Astoria, OR, Jeffery Stearns and his wife Barbara Stearns of Mesa, AZ, and Lee Stearns and his wife Debby Stearns of Chewelah, WA; two sisters, Bobbi Dehann of Glendale, AZ, and Dorothy Brown of Raymond WA, and a brother Richard Stearns of Hood River, OR. Edwin is also survived by his longtime dear friend, Hedi Hartman; 7 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Stearns and Keenan Stearns and by a sister Margaret Dye and a brother James Stearns and his parents. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday June 6, 2015 at the Bay Center Cemetery. A celebration of Edwin\\'s life will be held immediately following services at the Bay Center Methodist Church Social Hall. Cremation arrangements were in care of Stoller\\'s Mortuary in Raymond.