Edward Harrington Read

Edward Harrington Read was born November 13, 1924 in Jasper, Missouri.  He reposed February 3, 2019 in his home in Walla Walla, WA with several of his dear ones around his bed.

Over those 94 years Ed lived a full life.  He grew up in the great depression, on a farm in southwest Missouri.  There he learned what matters most: things like scrupulous honesty, loyalty, helping neighbors, faith in God.

When he graduated from high school, he joined the Navy and served in Pearl Harbor during World War II.  After 30 months he was honorably discharged and returned to the farm.

In 1966 he read a story in Billy Graham’s Decision magazine.  He liked the sound of it and wrote to the writer, Maureen Hay.  Nine months later they were married.

Three children were born in quick succession: James, Elizabeth, Michael.  After Elizabeth left at age four for a Better Land, they adopted Susan from Vietnam, and Anne from Korea.

They are now grandparents of ten grandchildren: Jordan, Emily, and Jacob Hsieh in Maryland. Moses, Elisha, Seth, and Shiloah Read, in Washington state. Tylor, Cathy, and Amy Lupold in Pennsylvania.  They have two great grandchildren.

In his youth Ed made a commitment to Christ. He never forgot.  He was not a man to express himself easily, but his life of kindness, sweetness, and a remarkably uncomplaining spirit spoke to all who knew him. He was faithful to his family and to church.

No one wishes he were back with his infirmities.  But all of us will miss him sorely.

Viewing and Visitation will be held at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2019.  The Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, Washington. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla.