Ernest Colvin

Ernest Colvin was born June 1, 1937, in St. John, Wash., to Ernest Sr. and Stella Colvin. Most of his early years were spent in Colfax, Wash., where he received his formal education.

In 1955, Ernest was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he was assigned to the Triple A Missile Battalion, which gave him the opportunity to be involved in operating one of the first missiles designed at the time. Ernest received an honorable discharge after serving for two years. Upon discharge, Ernest traveled throughout the states of Washington, Idaho and Montana and was employed in both the construction and cattle ranching fields. In 1963, Ernest made his way into the Gila Valley, where he settled and continued his employment in construction. It was in the Gila Valley that Ernest met Vada Shiflet, and on June 2, 1966, they were married. Both he and Vada resided in several places in the Gila Valley area.

Vada passed away in 1993 after a lengthy illness, and from this union, Ernest is survived by four stepchildren, Twylah (Royce) Thomas of Safford, Larry (Kathy) Shiflet of Idaho, Waynona (Ken) Powell of Verde Lee and Martha (the late Delvin) Dickson of Thatcher.

In 1977, he began working for the Arizona Department of Transportation until his retirement after 25 years of service. Ernest enjoyed gardening, lapidary work, raising livestock and going camping. Ernest was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had served as the secretary of the Elders Quorum Presidency.

In 1994, Ernest married Pauline Granillo of Pima, and they resided in the Daley Estates area of Thatcher until his passing.

Ernest is survived by his wife, Pauline, and two stepchildren, Elizabeth (Ramero) Aguirre of Mesa and David (Alice) Granillo of Tucson; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Caldwell Funeral Chapel.