Elmer “Lee” Ferrier, 96, died Thursday, March 4, 2021, of natural causes. Lee was born on Dec. 5, 1924, in Salina, Kansas to Lee Ferrier and Alberta Alice Felten. Lee is the last of 11 children in his family to reach his resting place.

Lee grew up during the Great Depression in and soon after joined the U.S. Navy. He honorably served for three years during World War II aboard the USS Tillman (DD-641),

He lived in Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri and North Dakota before settling in Washington. Lee has been a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 for over 60 years. He worked on a multitude of highway projects throughout Washington. While working on the road between Aberdeen and Westport, he moved his family to Elma in 1968. If you drive in Washington, and Westport, chances are you have driven over a stretch of road that Lee helped build.

In the ’80s and ’90s, he drove with his wife, Colleen, and youngest son, Todd, across the United States to visit friends, family and to attend numerous ship reunions. In his travels, he visited all 50 states and much of western Canada. He had an excellent recall of the year, roads, towns and people he visited in his travels. He was never short of words or time to tell you about his adventures and share his travel videos.

When he was not on the road, Lee enjoyed gathering with friends and family, fishing, reading and woodworking.

Lee was a devoted husband for over 66 years to Colleen, who preceded him in death in 2018. Lee proved to be a caring, resourceful and loving father to his seven children. Lee is survived by six children, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Along the highway of life, Lee’s final rest stop will be the Masonic Cemetery in Elma, Washington.