Wilber "Wib" Early

Wilber “Wib” Early was born September 9, 1924 in Salem, Indiana to Romie & Stella Hopkins Early. He was the 11th child in a family of 12; 6 boys & 6 girls. He died November 9, 2012 in Walla Walla, Washington at the Washington Odd Fellows Home.

He served with the United States Navy during WWII for 3 ½ years in the South Pacific. After WWII, he returned to Salem, Indiana. A short time later, he & Charles Robertson (now resides in Milton Freewater, Oregon) moved to Walla Walla to seek work in 1946. In 1947, he married Loretta D. McDonald of Milton Freewater, Oregon. He had three sons, Dennis Ray, Michael Dean and Roger Kent.

He is survived by 2 brothers, “Bud” & Romie; 1 sister, Nellie Faye Spaulding all of Salem, IN; his 3 sons, 7 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Loretta; 4 brothers & 5 sisters.

Wib retired from the Walla Walla Country Club after 32 years as the general manager. He also managed the Yakima Country Club & the Tri-City Country Club for 2 years each. Wib also partnered with his sons in the food & beverage industry in Walla Walla for 8 years. He served on the Washington State Federation of Club Advisory Council for several years as well as the Food Advisory Council at the Washington State Penitentiary.

Wib enjoyed golf and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. He was an honorary member of the Walla Walla Country Club and a life member of the Walla Walla Elks Lodge #287.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans through the funeral home. There will be a reception/celebration of life for family & friends at the Elks Lodge on November 16, 2012 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM.