November 1, 1929 to January 13, 2023
Irvin A Haws died on Jan. 13, 2023, in Vernal, Utah. He was born on Nov. 1, 1929, in Naples, Utah, the third child of Owen A. and Eva Viola Manwaring Haws. Being raised on a farm, he learned early to work hard. In high school he developed a love of art. He became very proficient in lettering and would use this talent throughout his life.
Irvin served in the California North Mission from 1949 to 1951. Upon returning home, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After training, Irvin was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Great Falls, Montana. He served in the military police for four years. It was there he met Patricia Story. They were married on Sept. 9, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple. Becky, Terryl and Laurie were born in Great Falls. Irvin served in the branch presidency and taught early morning seminary. After discharge from the U.S.A.F., Irvin began working for the J.C. Penney Co. In 1962, he was transferred to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. There he was involved in many church and community activities and loved to boat and swim. In Coeur d’ Alene two sons passed away at birth and a third son, Randall, joined the family. In 1968, Irvin was transferred to his hometown of Vernal, Utah. Two years later Charmian was born.
Irvin worked for the J.C. Penney Co. for 35 years. Sidewalk sales, Pixy Pin-ups and Turkey Days are a few of the events that marked those years. He was involved in many civic activities, including the Vernal Chamber of Commerce, Dinosaur Gardens, the Save the Tabernacle committee and Intermountain Natural History Association. He was a partner in Old Ashley Town Antiques. He enjoyed exploring yard sales for treasures.
Irvin said the best things in life came to him because of his involvement in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. He accepted many callings. He and Patricia served a French-speaking mission to Geneva, Switzerland. He enjoyed serving in and attending the Vernal Temple. Irvin had many talents and hobbies. He enjoyed working with wood, drawing and lettering. He would compose, memorize and recite poetry. He enjoyed gardening. He and Patricia enjoyed spending time in Jackson, Wyoming. As Patricia’s health declined, Irvin was her main caregiver. After her death, he kept busy swimming, biking, keeping up the yard, attending the temple and going for drives. He had a sense of humor to the end.
Irvin was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; parents, Owen and Eva Haws; brothers, Marvin Haws and Hollis Haws; sister, Venna Bascom; two stillborn sons; and a great-granddaughter, Quinn Jackson.
He is survived by his children, Becky (Kevin) Jackson, Clearfield; Terryl (Kerry) Speers, Pinehurst, Texas; Laurie (Stephen) Sandau, Vernal; Randall (Jana) Haws, Logan; and Charmian (Lance) Siddoway, Vernal; 21 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; soon to be three great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be on Friday, Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Vernal 8th Ward Chapel, 1499 W. Hwy. 40. Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home, and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment in Vernal Memorial Park with Military Honors from the American Legion Post 11. Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com.