YUMA, Ariz. – Gerald Vernon Sitton, 81, a part-time resident of the Peninsula who also lived in Kelso, died Dec. 20, 2006, in Yuma, Ariz. He was born Aug. 11, 1925, in Washtucna to Owen and Beulah Sitton, (Betts).

He graduated from Creston High School in Washtucna in 1944. On Aug. 21, 1945, he married Betty Pearl Tyson.

Mr. Sitton was a diesel mechanic and welder retiring in 1989. In retirement he enjoyed fishing in the spring and fall and traveling and spending time in Arizona when fishing wasn’t all that good.

Survivors include his two sons, Robert Sitton and Richard Sitton; a daughter, Nancy Stovall; one brother, Vester Sitton; one sister, Betty Frazier; his special friend and companion, Norine Spooner; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant brother and a son, Kerry Sitton.

A celebration of his life will be held Jan. 6, from l p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kelso Eagles, 609 S. Pacific Ave. in Kelso. Private inurnment will take place at Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632. Arrangements are by Columbia Funeral Service.