Ernest Blaine Teachman, 73, died at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon Friday, June 20, 2003. He was born Jan. 26, 1930, in Lamont, Okla., to Edward and Neva Teachman. Blaine was raised in Oklahoma where he attended school. He joined the US Army and served during the World War II era and the Korean Conflict from Feb. 6, 1947, to Aug. 23, 1953 and was honorably discharged. His medals included Army Occupation Medal {Japan), Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the United Nations Service Medal.

Blaine was employed after his military service as a deputy sheriff in Nowata, Okla., and later a reserve police officer in Wichita, Kan. He owned a gas station and repair business in Haysville, Kan., later going to work for Boeing in 1960 in Wichita, Kan. In 1965, he was transferred to Seattle for a total of 15 years. Upon leaving Boeing, he worked in heavy construction as an equipment operator.

Blaine was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9301 in Lynden. He attained the highest position in the Department of Washington VFW as department commander from 1994-1995. He also was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Association and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Blaine is survived by his wife Stella Teachman of the family home in Rockport; his children Ernest and his wife Pam Teachman of Cathlamet and Holly and her husband Daniel Reahgan of Oklahoma; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two step-children Rowann and her husband Sue Wezel and Jack and his wife Teri Martin and three step-grandchidren all of Rockport; four brothers Edward Teachman of Arizona, Carl Teachman of Tennessee, George Teachman of Kansas and Douglas Teachman of Oklahoma; and three sisters Tywal Sundeen of California, Wanda Gard of Tennessee and Edrie Weirs of Kansas. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 28, at 3p.m., at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley with George Riedel Past Department Commander VFW officiating. Military honors will be presented by George Baldridge Post 43 American Legion and Jerry O. Lafayette Post 5056 VFW. Inurnment will be at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children at Eaton Rapids, Mich. Arrangements by Lemley Chapel.