Harold Joseph Cavener

Jun. 3, 1927 - May 2, 2017

Date of Service: May 6, 2017

Harold Joseph Cavener passed from this life May 2, 2017 at his home in Paul. He was born June 3, 1927 in Rome Georgia, The youngest of seven children. His parents were Thomas Pitt Cavener and Mabel (Tippen) Cavener.

His first big adventure was traveling by train at the age of 11 with two siblings to live with relatives in northern California. A year later he went to live with foster parents on their farm near Tulelake, CA. After high school graduation from Tulelake High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for the duration of the war. World War II ended while he was in boot camp at San Diego, CA August 1945. He was assigned to the USS Davison, a destroyer converted to a mine sweeper. This adventure took him to the Sea of Japan and beyond. His rank was Machinist's Mate Third Class.

Following his navel discharge a year later he attended the University of California, at Davis. In the summer of 1949 he and a college friend drove the new Alaska Highway to Anchorage. He found employment and acquired property. It was in Alaska that he met Dorothy Nielsen when she had come for summer employment. They were married June 7, 1954 at Pella Lutheran Church at Sidney, Montana, Dorothy's home town. They drove the Alaska Highway to make their home near Anchorage.

Another great adventure followed when Harold was selected in 1956 to receive one of the many homesteads awarded to veterans. Harold, Dorothy and baby Lorraine left Alaska for Idaho in September 1956 to their homestead located eleven miles north of Paul. They farmed for 35 years, retired, then continued to live on their homestead in the house that Harold built until they moved into Paul in 2016.

Harold is survived by his wife Dorothy. They were married for 62 years. Their three children are Lorraine (deceased); Alan, his wife JoLynne of Nampa; Marielle and her husband Alan Westphal of Boise; grandchildren, Lucas Cavener and wife Adrean, Levi Cavener and wife Heather, Evan Westphal and Nicole Westphal; great grandsons, Gunner Cavener and Lincoln Cavener. He is preceded in death by daughter Lorraine as well as his three brothers and three sisters.

Harold was baptized into the Christian faith. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Rupert, for 60 years and served in various offices. Harold lived his faith with kindness, he will be especially remembered for lending a helping hand and for his strong work ethic.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Rupert Trinity Lutheran Church. Viewing for family and friends will be held one hour prior the service at the church. Services will conclude with burial in the Paul Cemetery under the direction of Hansen Mortuary. Online condolences may be left at hansen-mortuary.com


Funeral Service
Date of Service: May 6, 2017