Howard Eugene DeFord, age 68, of Oroville, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2011 in East Wenatchee after a long battle with cancer. Howard was born September 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 December 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 Geneological 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.

SURVIVED BY

Children: Kerensa Allison of Pullman

Desiree Malcolm of Oroville

John L. DeFord of Spokane

Brothers: Raymond DeFord of Malden, WA and John T. DeFord of Spokane

6 Grandchildren

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

SERVICES

Memorial Services with military honors will be held Monday, December 12, 2011 at noon 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.