Joe Lothes

Ocean Park resident Joe Lothes, 85, died in Raymond, Washington on October 6, 2009. The son of Fredrick and Anne (Trott) Lothes, he was born April 23, 1924 in the small rural community of Clifty, Arkansas. Joe grew up on the family farm where his older brother George was his mentor as his father had died when Joe was two years old. He attended local schools. After serving in the US Navy, Joe moved west to Oregon where he worked in road construction. While living in the St. Johns district of North Portland he met Muriel Spangrud and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Joe worked many years for Centennial Flour Mill in Portland until retirement. Having been a frequent coastal visitor over the years Joe and Muriel purchased the Harborview Motel in Nahcotta in 1977. Muriel moved to the Peninsula to operate it and Joe was here every weekend to do the needed maintenance, moving permanently to Ocean Park in 1986. The business was sold 9 years ago. Joe was happiest being outdoors. He took pride in his large vegetable gardens. He was an avid hunter of deer, elk and fowl of all types. He also fished, crabbed, clammed and knew where the largest crawdads lurked. Joe was known for his honesty, his work ethic and his quiet nature. Besides his wife of 50 years, Joe is survived by daughter Rose Crouchley; step-sons Richard, Ronald and Rodney Buen; 11 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Randy Buen. Celebration of his life will be Friday, October 16, 2009, 11:00 AM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea in Long Beach with a reception following at the chapel. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.