Dan C. Dever

Dan Dever was born April 11, 1934, in Seattle, Washington to Dr. Dewitt C. Dever and his wife, Lorraine. He lived in Seattle until the age of seventeen. Having lost both his mother and father at a young age, he moved to Ellensburg and lived with the Hjelm family, who considered him an adopted son. Dan was drafted into the Army and served from 1957 to 1959. In 1960 he met the love of his life, Shirley Garrison. They married in November of 1960 and had three sons, Lance, Terry and Shawn.

Dan bought 120 acres of sage brush in Royal Slope in 1960. He installed irrigation, built a house and developed a farm. Dan worked the farm from 1960 to 1972. With Shirley’s encouragement, Dan decided to return to school, attending Central Washington University and earning a teaching degree. Dan worked as a teacher from 1973 to 1994, inspiring thousands of students, many of whom will carry warm memories of his diligence and caring for the rest of their lives.

Retirement for Dan was his opportunity to serve the community, a passion that remained with him until his passing. Dan served on the Othello Hospital Board of Directors, the Othello City Council, the Choral Orchestra Society, Lion’s Club, The Othello Theater Guild, Othello Farmers Market, the Adams County Fair and many Methodist and Lutheran church committees. Dan will be remembered by all for his tireless efforts to improve the City of Othello and the lives of others.

The latter years of Dan’s life included caring for his wife, Shirley. His tireless love and devotion to her during their fifty-three years of marriage and her long illness remind us all of his honor, love and selflessness.