Irvin A Haws

Irvin A Haws died January 13, 2023 in Vernal, Utah. He was born at home on November 1, 1929 in Naples, Utah. He was the third child of Owen A. and Eva Viola Manwaring Haws. Being raised on a farm, he learned early to work hard; milking cows morning and night, feeding animals, tending the garden, and chopping and hauling firewood. His first job was hoeing beans for 20 cents an hour. In high school he developed a love of art and became very proficient in lettering. He would use this talent throughout his life; making signs and flyers for work, church and civic events. He also learned to type, which came to his advantage in the military.

Irvin was called to serve in the California North mission in 1949. His testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ solidified as he served the people of northern California and southern Oregon. Another valuable lesson he learned on his mission was the understanding that he could learn to do anything.

Upon returning home from his mission, Irvin drove truck. The Korean War was in full swing. To avoid being drafted he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Basic training took him to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Technical training was at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. He was the honor graduate for his flight at graduation. Irvin was then stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. He served in the military police for 4 years. His skill in typing allowed him to qualify for the more desirable office assignments.

Irvin met Patricia Story at church. They were married September 9, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their first home and started their family in Great Falls. It was there that Becky, Terryl and Laurie were born. Irvin served as a counselor in the branch presidency there. He also taught early morning seminary. After discharge from the United States Air Force, Irvin began working for the J.C. Penney Co. In 1962 he was transferred to Coeur d' Alene, Idaho as assistant manager. Irvin was involved in many church and community activities in Coeur d' Alene. He also loved to boat on and to swim in Lake Coeur d' Alene. In Coeur d' Alene two sons passed away at birth and a third son, Randall, joined the family. In 1968 Irvin was again transferred, this time to his hometown of Vernal, Utah. Two years later Charmian was born and the family was complete.

Irvin worked for the J.C. Penney Co. for 35 years. Sidewalk sales, Pixy Pin-ups, winter coat sales in July and Turkey Days are just a few of the events that marked those years. He was also involved in many civic activities, including the Vernal Chamber of Commerce, Dinosaur Gardens, the Uintah Water Conservancy District, the Utah State water board, the Save the Tabernacle committee and Intermountain Natural History Association. He opened Backyard Antiques and later was a partner in Old Ashley Town Antiques. He enjoyed exploring yard sales for treasures to sell in the shop.

Irvin always 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 throughout his life, including serving as Uintah Stake president and as a sealer in the Vernal Temple. He and Patricia served a French-speaking mission to Geneva, Switzerland for 18 months. He enjoyed serving in and attending the Vernal Temple, a building where he was baptized and which he helped to preserve.

Irvin had many talents and hobbies. He enjoyed working with wood. He made many birdhouses, benches, wheel barrows and other items. He would compose and memorize poetry. He often would recite a poem in response to a situation or in conversation. He enjoyed sketching, drawing and lettering. He enjoyed growing a garden and working in the yard. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting. He looked forward to his yearly elk hunt in the mountains of northern Idaho. He and Patricia also enjoyed spending time in Jackson, Wyoming. They enjoyed bicycling, hiking, viewing wildlife and reading there. It was a haven, a place of rest and renewal for them.

They enjoyed bicycling, hiking, viewing wildlife and reading. It was a haven, a place of rest and renewal for them. As Patricia's health declined, Irvin was her main caregiver. After her death he fell into a daily routine: swimming at the rec center, attending the temple, having lunch at the Golden Age Center, a bike ride in the afternoon, and watching Jeopardy after the nightly news. When he could no longer swim or cycle we went 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, Hollis Haws; sister, Venna Bascom; two stillborn sons; and a great-granddaughter, Quinn Jackson.

He is survived by his five children: Becky (Kevin) Jackson, Clearfield, UT; Terryl (Kerry) Speers, Pinehurst, TX; Laurie (Stephen) Sandau, Vernal, UT; Randall (Jana) Haws, Logan, UT; and Charmian (Lance) Siddoway, Vernal, UT; 21 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren, soon to be 3 great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: LDS missionary fund, LDS temple fund or the Ashley Valley Food Pantry.

Funeral services for Irvin will be held Friday January 27th at 11:00am at the Vernal 8th Ward Chapel (1499 West Hwy 40). Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday January 26th from 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home, and Friday from 9:30am ~ 10:30am at the church. Interment in Vernal Memorial Park with Military Honors from the American Legion Post 11. Services under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.

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