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- [S78] Atchley Funeral Home Records, Volume I, 1930-1954, Larry D. Fox, (Smoky Mountain Historical Society), 25 Oct 1971.
Ruth Bright Barnes obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 13 Oct 2009.
James Otto Rolen, 82, of Wenatchee, Entered Peacefully into Heaven Oct. 3, 2009, with his loving family at his side.
He was born July 4, 1927, to Alvin and Hattie Rolen in Sevier County, Tenn. Growing up he attended school in Sevier County then later enlisted in the Army during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1947 where he then returned back to Tennessee and married the Love of his life; Letha Jane Barnes. They married on Nov. 19, 1948. They would have been married almost 61 years. She was his “BABE” and he took very good care of her. Otto worked for Blalock Construction building Roads and Bridges in Tennessee until they decided to move to Washington State in 1958 to seek work. They made their home in Peshastin, Wash., where he worked in the fruit for Russell Burnett Orchards. Not much than a year later he found his Niche in the Timber business. He loved the outdoors and nature. The various companies he worked for were Earl Marcelles, Burgess Logging and Newell Logging. It was nothing for him to work a full week, then on the weekends oil and sharpen his chains to get ready for the new week. He was often called upon to complete the more difficult and dangerous logging projects. He endured several bad accidents while on the job but never once complained. He just looked at it like he had to get in another day’s pay. He retired in 1994 but even after that he still got calls to come back and log for the company. Good loggers were hard to find and he was one of them.
His strong work ethic is reflected upon his four children. During his retirement years he spent time fishing with his Sons and Grandsons, Family Gatherings and Celebrating his Birthday on the 4th of July.
Some of his most memorable times were spent with his brother-in-law Roy Floyd after he found out that Roy was sick. The two of them would go for long drives up in the mountains sometimes not to return till late in the day often packing a sack lunch. They enjoyed God’s Beauty and the many conversations they shared. It broke His Heart so much when Roy passed on.
Otto is survived by his Dear Wife Letha, Sons Ron, Jerry, Roger and daughter Tina; grandchildren Russell, Michelle, Twins Jaclyn and Jared. Brianna, Mitchel, Jeff and Jennifer; also six great-grandchildren. Three Sisters from Tennessee MayNell Leweling, SaraMay Whaley, and Joyce Helton. He was preceded in death by his “Brother In law” Roy Floyd who was a “brother” to him; Brother Eugene Rolen, Grandson Jason Rolen, Father and Mother Alvin and Hattie Rolen, Sisters, RebaFay Catlett, AnnaRue Williamson and BonnieSue Boling.
Daddy will be missed dearly but we know that the Lord Jesus has already prepared a Place for him in Heaven Free of Pain.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Sister-in-Law Myrtle Floyd, who helped take care of Daddy up till the very end in her home. He had a very Special Place in his Heart for her.
Services were held on Friday October 09, 2009, at the Eastmont Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Brewer officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in East Wenatchee.
In Lieu of Flowers Donations can be made to Eastmont Baptist Church, 400 S. Kentucky Ave. East Wenatchee, WA 98802-5670.
Arrangements by Wards Funeral Chapel of Leavenworth.
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