William H. ‘Howard’ Self, 88, a longtime Punkin Center community resident, peacefully passed away on Friday, May 15, 2009 at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.
Howard was born on March 22, 1921 in Del Rio, Tennessee, the seventh son of William Lloyd & Bertha L. Rowland Self. When he was two, his mother passed. His father later married Della Price. He was raised in the small community of Boomer Den in the hills of Tennessee, of which he often spoke of passionately. He was proud of his heritage.
He attended school, to the seventh grade, in a one room schoolhouse with a teacher not much older than himself.
He had a love for numbers, which led much of his pass time and the inventive side of him for making his own tools to get a job done right.
Howard came to Washington in 1941 and was working in Oak Harbor until he was drafted into the U.S. Army during WW II, serving in the Philippines for several years. He met the love of his life, a beautiful girl named Lucille Moody, and they were united in marriage on November 1, 1946 in Sedro-Woolley. They made their home in Hamilton where they raised their four children.
Howard worked as a tree faller for a while, then started his own business, Skagit River Shake Co. in Punkin Center Hamilton which he operated for 17 years, employing family, friends and neighbors until his retirement.
He has been a member of the Hamilton First Baptist Church since 1965 where he served as a Sunday school teacher and helped with various building and maintenance projects.
After his retirement, Howard enjoyed spending time fishing with his family and friends, putting on many fish BB-Q’s and sharing fish stories.
He also enjoyed carving and building furniture and making clocks from seasoned burls.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lucille at the family home in Punkin Center.
His children and their spouses, Marlene & Ted Anderson and Judy & Art Spanski of Sedro-Woolley, Janet & Gene Mathis of Casa Grande, AZ and William H. ‘Bill’ & Wendy Self, Jr. of Sedro-Woolley. Ten grandchildren, Sherri Anderson Ben Irwin, Kelli Saunders Greg, Teddi Anderson, Jodie Hendricks Roger, Jolene Baijot Josh, Tyler Spanksi Cindy, Dirk Spanski, Brian, Ashlynn & Neal Self. Nine great-grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Morgan, Chayce, Dalton, Zachary, Alyssa, Dillon & Mya. One sister, Ruth Moore of Sedro-Woolley and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; ten brothers, Clayton, Otha, Estel, Rowe, Clyde, Denton, Joe, Wayne, Ed and Lattie Self and an infant sister.
The family suggest memorials be made to the First Baptist Church in Hamilton or to The Landing, 2136 Hwy 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Ron Edwards of the Hamilton Baptist Church officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Hamilton Cemetery.