HALL, Willard J. 1895-1950

HALL, GERRY, YOUNGREN

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 3/4/2014 at 12:48:24

MANY HONOR PENINSULA DRUGGIST WHOSE
SUDDEN DEATH LEAVES GAP IN COMMUNITY

Peninsula residents were grieved by the sudden passing of Willard J. Hall, local druggist, last Saturday morning. He had been in poor health for some time, but was improving following a leg amputation, and his death came as a shock to his many friends. Funeral services for the 55-year-old pharmacist were held Wednesday afternoon with vault interment in the Ilwaco cemetery.

Dr. Ward W. McHenry conducted the services and his inspiring sermon impressed the large congregation with the great loss of the entire community. Many other sincere tributes have been paid Mr. Hall by his many friends and acquaintances who could not meet but that they discuss their loss of a kindly, pleasant friend. A fine tribute reached The Tribune Thursday from Dewey Dee, who had assisted him with bookkeeping for his store. He reiterated the belief expressed by many that Bill Hall was one of the finest men ever to grace the Ilwaco community. In the maintenance of life, health and spirits, he fully excelled and gave his full measure of strength and understanding, far beyond his call of duty. He bore more confidences of both men and women than many doctors and was never wanting in serving those in need, both with medicines and human kindness.

Willard J, Hall was born was born December 25, 1895, in Boneparte(sic), Iowa. At the age of 11 he moved with his parents to Tacoma where he attended grade and high school and then enlisted in the army April 8, 1917. He was discharged as a radio sergeant after two years service including six months overseas and then resumed his pharmacy training. He practiced as a licensed pharmacist in Aberdeen, Olympia and Kelso before buying out the Ilwaco Drug Co. from the Frank Meresse estate eight years ago. Two years ago he and his partner, Rees Williams acquired the Long Beach Pharmacy.

Mr. Hall was affiliated with Occident Lodge No. 99, F.&A.M., Pacific Shapter No. 28, Royal Arch Masons, St. Johns Commandry of Knights Templars, Fifi Shrine Temple in Tacoma, Don R. Grable post of the American Legion in which he had a 30-year membership, Charles B. Strauhal post No. 3721 V. F. W., National Assn. of Retail Druggists, Washington State Pharmaceutical Assn. and the Ilwaco Volunteer fire Dept. The Fire Department member honored their friend by sounding he(sic) fire siren as his hearse passed on the way to the cemetery.

Survivors include the widow, Eola R. Hall of Seaview; a daughter, Mrs. William (Marion) Gerry of Kelso; two sons, Phillip Hall of Seaview and John Hall of Ft. Sam Houston, Texas; his mother, Mrs. Julia Hall of Seaview; eight grandchildren. Another daughter Mrs. Lorraine Youngren was killed in and accident at Stanwood last year.

Hughes-Ransom Mortuary had charge of the funeral, which was held in the Ilwaco Presbyterian church. Patty McCoy was organist and Charles Doupe sang “Beyond the Sunset” and the “Lord’s Prayer.” The Masons, veterans, and staffs of the two stores attended the service as a unit. The Masonic lodge conducted the burial rites at the graveside and a firing squad from the Naselle Air Force station saluted him. Rees Williams was marshall, Ted Lentz grand master, and Warner Smith, Bert Cory, Elmer Patana, Robert Sell, Warren Wirkkala and Ole Anderson were pallbearers.

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, page 80