Ernest William Lafont

Ernest LaFont (Dad, Grampa, Gidu, Ernie, Reverend LaFont) passed away early in the morning On Tuesday February 7th. Honoring his life are his second wife Sue, his son Leland and his wife Lani, his grandchildren Suzie, Roger, Stewart, Eli and the family gained through his marriage to Sue Mize and: Sons George, Steve (who predeceased Ernest), Jon and daughter Susan Mize. He will be missed by friends and loved ones around the world. Ernest was predeceased by Grace, his first wife and mother of his children and his daughter Janene Hansen.
Ernest was born in McFarland, California the youngest of 5 children. He was raised by relatives from a young age due to illness and other issues in his birth family. In his early teens, he worked jobs before and after school to help pay for his upkeep. He and Grace were married in 1936. Janene was born in 1938. They were in Hanford, California building their new life until 1941 when they decided to head north to Portland, Oregon. In Portland, they attended Pacific Bible College (now Warner Pacific), affiliated the Church of God headquartered in Anderson, Indiana. In the next six years both Ernest and Grace earned Bachelor of Theology degrees, started a church in northwest Portland and had their son, Leleand, in 1944.
Ernest and Grace began their missionary careers in 1947 when the Missionary Board asked them to serve in panama. They returned from there in 1951 and were soon reassigned, departing for Egypt in mid-1952. They served over 20 years in Egypt with short terms in Lebanon and japan. In 1956, Ernest, grace and Leland were on their way home aboard the passenger liner, Andrea Doria, when it was struck by the Stockholm. The ship sank but the family had great tales of survival to tell while they were on furlough. They retired from church of god missions in 1976. On return they pastored churches in san Diego, British Columbia and Walla Walla. Ernest even spent regular patrol car time with the Walla Walla police serving as a chaplain for over 4 years.
In his last 10 years Ernest was blessed to find love and companionship with his wife sue. She honors his memory as do hundreds of people worldwide. He enriched people’s lives. He dedicated his life to helping others without hesitation or conditions. He once was asked what inspired his humanity. He responded, “I owe so much to so many.” Well, Ernest Lafont, the world is a kinder, happier, more humane place because of you. We celebrate your life. We miss your ready laugh.
Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.