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O. Wendell Honea
Former Kenai resident O. Wendell Honea died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003. He was
81.
A memorial service will be held this summer at
the family fish site at Salamatof beach.
Mr. Honea was born Sept. 2, 1922. He was the
eldest son in a family of eight children and was raised in the desert of Marana,
Ariz. He left high school a few months short of graduation to join the U.S.
Marines in World War II. He served with the 2nd Marine Division in the South
Pacific.
"Of great interest to his children and
grandchildren were tales of heroic battles at Tarawa and Saipan in which he
fought. He was an American patriot," his family said.
Following the war, Mr. Honea was stationed at
NAS Whidbey Island in Washington. While there he met Joyce. They married in 1947
and remained on the island, starting an office equipment business and raising
their four children, Ray, Lynn, Jan and Pat.
"In 1954 their lives were changed forever when
they became Christians, devoting themselves to Jesus Christ," his family said.
One of the results of their conversion was
opening their home to many children, including Carl Waggoner and Marty Baker.
In 1961, due to Mr. Honea's love of fishing,
the family came to Alaska to explore the possibility of a commercial fishing
business in Kenai. The Honeas purchased a fishing site on Salamatof Beach on the
shores of Cook Inlet and established the family business, Azarel Fisheries. "Azarel"
is from the Bible, meaning, "God has helped."
The Honea children and their spouses and
children continue to fish that same site, fulfilling Mr. Honea's lifelong dream.
The Honeas moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1996 to be
near family.
"Wendell is remembered and respected as a man
of enthusiasm for Christ. He also is remembered for his adventurous spirit,
great physical strength, mechanical genius, wisdom and devotion to family. He
was well-loved by hundreds who hold images of his exuberant song-leading for
various Nazarene congregations. He was a dedicated churchman who held many
leadership positions," his family said.
"Another mental picture many hold dear is
Wendell sitting on the bluff overlooking the waters and mountains of Cook Inlet
watching with immense satisfaction and pride as his children and grandchildren
worked the fishing business."
Mr. Honea is survived by his wife, Joyce; four
children and their spouses, Ray and Darlene Honea of Burlington, Wash., Lynn and
Bob Deakins, Pat and Don Glaze of Boise, and Jan and Vern Kornstad of Nikiski;
and grandchildren, Will, Ben, Brent, Jana, Joye, Jill, Reid, Wende, Angie, Mary,
Lindsy and Sally.
Notes to the family and memorial contributions
may be sent for the ministry of Liberty Quartet, P.O. Box 4176, Boise, ID 83711.
Source: Peninsula Clarion, December 17, 2003
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