Lawrence William Hiles of Montesano passed away on May 22, 2013, at the age of 88. He was born on March 4, 1925, to William and Emily (Westhall) Hiles. He attended Elma High School and was drafted into the Army during his sophomore year. He served in Germany and France during WWII where he was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct, American Theater Service, European African Middle Eastern Service and Victory medals.
He married Eleanor VanDeWall on June 28, 1943. They were married for 69 years until her death in December of 2012. Together they raised five children who survive them; Herbert (Nancy) Hiles, Craig (Georgette) Hiles, Douglas (Lisa) Hiles all of Elma, Corinne (Al) Neeley of Frankton, Indiana and Linda (Lowell) Williams of Cathlamet, Wash. Lawrence had 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.