Howard Eugene DeFord

Howard Eugene DeFord, age 68, of Oroville, passed away peacefully on Nov. 27, 2011 in East Wenatchee after a long battle with cancer.

Howard was born Sept. 15, 1943 in Seattle to John Harold and Pearl (Lervold) DeFord.

He lived a full life that touched many people. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Howard married Lenore Wiest Dec. 12, 1974 and raised three successful children. Howard came to Oroville to run the former Pow Wow and Orada Theaters. He was a member of the Bordertown Genealogical Society, a former Oroville Cemetery board member and a member of the Ballard VFW. He’s most remembered by his authentic cooking at Don Ernesto’s.

Howard is survived by his children Kerensa Allison of Pullman, Desiree Malcolm of Oroville and John L. DeFord of Spokane; brothers Raymond DeFord of Malden, Wash. and John T. DeFord of Spokane; as well as six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Arnold Mueller and sister Ellen DeFord.

Memorial Services with military honors will be held Monday, Dec. 12, 2011 at 12 p.m. at the Oroville Riverview Cemetery, with the Oroville American Legion officiating.

A potluck luncheon will follow at the Oroville American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, it was Howard’s wish that memorials be made to the Oroville Ambulance Memorial Fund.

Bergh Funeral Service, Oroville/Tonasket, in charge of arrangements.