Ernest Colvin

Ernest Colvin was born on June 1, 1937 in St. John, Washington to Ernest Sr. and Stella Colvin. Most of his early years were spent in Colfax, Washington, where he received his formal education. In 1955 Ernest was drafted into the U.S. Army where he was assigned to the Triple A Missile Battalion which gave him the opportunity in being involved in operating one of the first missiles designed at the time. Ernest received an honorable discharge after serving for two years. Upon discharge Ernest traveled throughout the states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana being employed in both the construction and cattle ranching fields. In 1963 Ernest made his way into the Gila Valley where he settled and continued his employment in construction. It was here in the Gila Valley where Ernest met Vada Shiflet and on June 2, 1966 they were married. Both he and Vada resided in several places staying in the Gila Valley area. Vada passed away in 1993 after a lengthy illness, and from this union Ernest is survived by four step children; Twylah (Royce) Thomas of Safford, Larry (Kathy) Shiflet of Idaho, Waynona (Ken) Powell of Verde Lee, and Martha (the late Delvin) Dickson of Thatcher. In 1977 he began working for the Arizona Department of Transportation until his retirement after 25 years of service. Ernest enjoyed gardening, lapidary work, raising livestock, and going camping. Ernest was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had served as the Secretary of the Elders Quorum Presidency. In 1994 Ernest married Pauline Granillo of Pima and they resided in the Daley Estates area of Thatcher until his passing. Ernest is survived by his wife Pauline and two step children; Elizabeth (Ramero) Aguirre of Mesa, David (Alice) Granillo of Tucson, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.