Dwight Eugene Staley Obituary (2025)

Dwight "Ike" Staley Senior, Master Seargent, US Air Force Retired, passed away on 7/18/2025, just two days short of his 96th birthday. His son David and daughter-in-law Susan were with him as he peacefully answered the call with his typical, "Roger that." Ike was born in Cashmere, Washington on 7/20/1929. He was raised in Selah, Washington and graduated from Selah High School in 1948. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Air Force and served honorably for 26 years. He served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Ike loved people and could make a friend in a minute. He loved his country and was a proud veteran, staying active with VFW Post 379 where he was a former Commander. He loved to visit the casinos, making many trips to Reno and to Legends in Toppenish. He was also an avid coin collector and a passionate fan of Elvis. Over the years he was a golfer, bowler, fisherman and dancer. He was a fan of the Mariners and the Seahawks. He was independent to a fault, even after losing a leg, and lived alone until his house fire on June 9th. A common sight was Ike in his wheelchair with an ax in his hand, splitting firewood, tending his tomatoes, cracking walnuts from his own tree or working on puzzles at his dining table. Ike married Elva Pearl Etchison in 1949 and they had two sons, David and Steven. Ike lost his youngest son Steven to a car accident in 1980. Ike remarried in 1975. His second wife, Sue, passed away in 2007. His special friend and dancing partner, Opal, passed away in 2019. Ike is survived by his son, David, daughter-in-law Susan, granddaughter Amber and her spouse, Aaron. He is also survived by a crowd of friends and neighbors who became family. (Thank you, Isaak and Krystal, Tim and Tyann, Zach and Annie, Randy and Michelle, Brinkley and the Treat family, Su and Jack Bixler, Cheryl and Gordie for all you did to support Ike.) A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, July 25th at 11:00 a.m. at West Hills Memorial Park, 11800 Douglas Road, Yakima. A meal will follow at the VFW for anyone wishing to attend. Anyone wishing to make a contribution in Ike's memory may do so to VFW Post 379, 118 South 5th Ave, Yakima 98901. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.brooksidefuneral.com