Wendell Honea

Wendell Honea died recently.

His life began Sept. 25, 1922. He was the eldest son in a family of eight children and was raised in the desert of Marana, Ariz. In the burst of patriotism that World War II evoked in many young men, Wendell left high school a couple months short of graduation to join the U.S. Marines. He served with the 2nd Marine division in the South Pacific. Of great interest to his children and grandchildren were tales of battles at Tarawa and Saipan in which he fought. He was an American patriot.

Following the war he was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. While there he met Joyce, for whom the romance never ended. They married in 1947 and remained on the island, creating 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. One of the results of their conversion was opening their home as a foster home to many children. Of those, Carl Waggoner and his family continue as family. Marty Baker, another who maintained family ties, passed away in 2001.

In 1961, due to dad’s love of fishing, the family went to Alaska to explore the possibility of a commercial fishing business in Kenai. It was there that he found his passion … salmon. Joyce and Wendell were able to purchase their own fishing site off the shores of Cook Inlet near Kenai and established the family fishing business, known as Azarel Fisheries. The word “Azarel” is from the Bible and means “God has helped.” For more than 40 years the extended family has annually returned each summer to that Alaskan fish site to run the business, but more importantly established multitudes of intergenerational memories.

Wendell and Joyce moved to Boise in 1996 to be near family.

Dad is remembered and respected as a man of enthusiasm for Christ, an adventurous spirit, great physical strength, 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. Another picture many hold dear is him 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.

Wendell leaves behind his wife Joyce, whom he loved so much; four children he was entirely devoted to; 12 grandchildren of whom he was so proud; nine (soon to be 12) great-grandchildren with whom he was barely acquainted, but who benefit from his great legacy of love. Ray and Darlene Honea live in Burlington, Bob and Lynn Deakins, and Don and Pat Glaze in Boise, Idaho, Vern and Jan Kornstad in Kenai, Alaska. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Will, Ben, Brent, Jana, Joye, Jill, Reid, Wende, Angie, Mary, Lindsy and Sally. The family will hold a private service this summer at the fish site. Notes to the family and memorial contributions may be sent to Liberty Quartet (PO Box 4176, Boise, ID 83711). Liberty was loved by Dad for their gospel music, especially his favorite hymn, “The Lighthouse.”