Earl W. Hoatson

SUN CITY - Earl W. Hoatson passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at the Hospice of the Valley PCU, Phoenix. He was born near Hershey, Neb. on Oct. 9, 1921, the son of William and Ruba (Leister) Hoatson. He married Mildred Fairhead on Oct. 13, 1948 in Merriman, Neb.Earl will be remembered for his kindness, fair-mindedness and warm, genial nature. He was so very respected and loved by all.Earl is survived by wife, Mildred; children, Robert (Pam) Hoatson of Edmond, Okla., Richard (Peggy) Hoatson of Kansas City, Mo., and Julia (Glenn) Carriker of Sun City; four grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank and Fred; and son, William Joy Hoatson.Earl graduated from O'Fallons High School near Sutherland, Neb. in 1940. During WWII, Earl proudly served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy Air Corps. After the war he met and married the love of his life, Millie. In 2016 they celebrated 68 years of marriage. Throughout their life together, they were ranchers near Stuart, Neb. and motel owners in McCook, Neb. and Nevada, Mo. Retirement found them enjoying life in southern Missouri at their home on beautiful Table Rock Lake and traveling this country in their motorhome. In 1998, they became "Snow Birds" with a home in Sun City, spending their summers back in Missouri. Earl enjoyed being a member of the Elks, the Willowbrook United Methodist Church and the Sun City C.A.R.S. club. His 1931 Chevy Coupe won numerous awards at car shows in the Sun City area. Earl and Millie so loved to travel throughout the US and visited many countries. His most treasured joy in life was spending time with family and friends.Memorial service will be 1:00 P.M. on Feb. 24, 2017 at the Willowbrook United Methodist Church, Sun City, with Pastor Sande Kimbel officiating. Memorials are suggested to Willowbrook United Methodist Church, Sun City or Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix. To leave condolence messages for the family please visit www.sunlandmemorial.com