Elton W. Havener Obituary (1925

In Memory OfElton "Al" Havener Elton W. "Al" Havener, of Milford, died Tuesday, November 09, 2004, at Sunrise Country Manor near Milford. He was born June 15, 1925 on the family farm near Winside, Nebraska to Jay and Elma (Carl) Havener, the 4th of five children. As a young boy he attended a country school near Winside later attending Carroll High School and graduated with the Class of 1943. He furthered his education receiving a degree from Colorado State University majoring in Trade and Industrial Education in 1968. After he completed high school, Al enlisted in the US Marine Corp and served in the Pacific Theatre. Al participated in reconnaissance missions on the islands of Iwo Jima, Saipan, Tinnian, and Roymanur with the Headquarters 4th Marine Division, receiving the Silver Star for bravery under fire during the battle at Iwo Jima. After his discharge on March 14, 1946 he became a member of the Marine Corp Reserve and was called to active duty again for the Korean Conflict on March 9, 1949 serving until March 8, 1952. On June 27, 1952 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vera Braddy, at Anaheim, CA. Completing his first tour of duty, Al returned to Milford on February 20, 1948, and resumed his career as an instructor in the Welding Program of the Nebraska State Trade School in Milford. He served as Program Chair of the Welding Division, later as Department Chair and retired on December 31, 1988 as Department Chairperson, Manufacturing and Fabrications Occupations. Al was the first instructor to serve more than 35 years and the school honored him with the "E.W. Al Havener Service Award" which is now given to employees of the college who have served more than 35 years. After he retired, Al and Vera enjoyed traveling including trips to Europe and Australia. He was a member of the Milford United Methodist Church, serving his church in many ways and leadership capacities. He was also a member of the Milford Volunteer Fire Department, American Legion Post #171, member and Past Commander, American Welding Society, Nebraska Chapter, past president, and he also was a member of the Milford Chamber of Commerce and the Senior Center. Al is survived by his wife, Vera, Milford, sons and daughters-in-law, Brad and Donna Havener, Milford, Stephen and Connie Havener, Junction City, KS, four grandchildren, Tiffany Havener, Junction City, KS, Sean and his wife Jocelyn Havener, Kansas City, MO, Cody and Calvin Havener, Farnam NE, adopted daughter, Coral Eberspacher, Milford, brothers and sister-in-law, Ted and Donna Havener, Hinton, IA, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Bert Mennes, Torrance, CA, many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Frank and Dallas Havener, sister, Ila Schaffer, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Havener and Eunice Havener, and a brother-in-law, Herb Schaffer. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 12, 2004, at the United Methodist Church in Milford with Rev. Jim Miller and Rev. Warren Spellman officiating. Interment will be in Blue Mound Cemetery, Milford with military services conducted by the Marines Corp of Omaha and the Am Legion Post #171. Visitation will be Thursday 11am-5:30pm at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Milford and from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Milford United Methodist Church where the family will greet friends. Also, visitation one hour before services at the church. Memorials have been established to the United Methodist Church, Milford Senior Center, or to SCC, Milford Campus, Al Havener Scholarship Fund.