Wayne E. Hall

Wayne E. Hall was reunited with his teenage sweetheart and wife of 67 years on Sunday, October 27, 2013 after complications from a sudden illness. He was born May 23, 1927 in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho to Carl and Evelyn Ehrnfelt and lovingly adopted by Verl and Pearl Hall. Wayne married Vera Toler for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on Sept. 25, 1946. Just prior to marriage, he served in the U.S Navy from May 1945 to April 1946. He was a freshman in high school when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. He joined the Navy when he was 18 as a Yeoman Petty Officer Third Class and was training in San Diego when the war ended. In August of 1945, he was stationed in Arlington, Virginia and helped type discharge papers on one of the first electric typewriters.
The road of life has taken Wayne from the dusty lanes of a small-town dairy farm in McCammon to the marbled halls of Idaho’s State Capitol. He served as Bannock County Commissioner for six years, and after that, he was chosen by the people of Bannock and Power counties to be their representative in the Idaho State Legislature for six more years.
Wayne lovingly provided and cared for a family of seven while managing a dairy farm during this busy time. One daughter recalls: “I remember Daddy putting on his boots, meeting Old Laddie or one of our other cow dogs at the back door, swinging a shovel up onto his shoulder and going up the hill to change the water or to milk, with and energetic stride, singing, whistling or yodeling, always in a cheerful way”. A granddaughter remembers “I always looked forward to helping Grandpa haul hay. After lunch, we were so stuffed that we had to take a nap under the shade tree; of course, that was Grandpa’s idea”. Wayne taught his family the value of hard work and the ability to find some fun in the work that needed to be done.
Wayne was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; he faithfully served as a home teacher, bishop, and counselor of a Stake Presidency to a loving, supportive community. His life was centered in and radiated his faith in the Savior.
Wayne will be most remembered as a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He is survived by his children, VeeAnn Yarger, Myra (Rod) Miles, Barry (Tina) Hall, JoLene (Boyce) Barnes, Mel (Lisa) Hall, Kristen (Bryan) Stucki, and Richard (Pearl) Martinez and boys; 30 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren and a dear sister, Melba Bullock. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vera Hall; precious grandchildren, Stetson Miles Hall and Carly Marie Dodge; and a brother, Dean Ehrnfelt.
Music was ever present in our home, a talent both parents shared. Participating in the Gary Harris Dance Band of Pocatello was one of Wayne’s favorite pastimes. His daughter remembers silver, shimmery notes played on an alto or tenor saxophone with sassy and laughing tones.
Dancing once more with his favorite partner, his family has this parting wish from the lyrics to the closing song of his favorite TV show, The Lawrence Welk Show: “Goodnight, goodnight, until we meet again; Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehn ‘til then; And though it’s always sweet sorrow to part, you know you’ll always remain in my heart…now ‘til we meet again”.
We wish to express our deepest thanks to the caring neighbors, ward members, and friends who shared many home-cooked meals, visits, and hugs. Your acts of kindness made life just that much easier and enjoyable for our dad. Our gratitude is also extended to the staff of Helping Hands, Portneuf Medical Center, the Pocatello Veterans Home, and Alliance Hospice.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the McCammon Stake Center, with Bishop Don Bates officiating.
The family will receive friends for a viewing Friday, November 1, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service on Saturday.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Horsley Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.horsleyfuneralhome.com.