Obituary - Dallas William Fanning

Dallas William Fanning passed away in the early morning hours of Oct. 25, 2014, at Providence Medical Center in Everett, Washington, surrounded by family.

He was born June 9, 1932, in Susanville, California, to John Guvernor and Florence Charlotte (Carr) Fanning.

The Fanning family moved from California to Klamath Falls, Oregon, when Dallas was a young boy. The Fannings lived on the same street as the Skeltons. It was here where Dallas met the love of his life, Vera Mae Skelton. On June 15, 1951, Dallas married Vera in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and they were married for 51 years before Vera passed away on Nov. 26, 2002.

Dallas worked at the Great Northern/Burlington Northern for over 40 years. He started his railroad career in Klamath Falls, Oregon, as a carman. His long career then led him and his family to Havre, Montana; Vancouver, Washington; Everett, Washington; Spokane, Washington, and Pasco, Washington, where he retired as general foreman of cars, Pasco Division.

Dallas loved baseball! He loved to watch baseball on TV, especially his favorite team, the Seattle Mariners. He was an avid baseball card collector. He also enjoyed collecting agates and polishing them for his grandchildren, beach combing, crossword puzzles, playing games and spending time with his family. He loved to play with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dallas is survived by his children and their families: Janet Hill of Wellton, Arizona, and her family, Diane and Andrew Rakestraw of Pasco, Washington, and Audrey and Valerie Hill of Phoenix, Arizona; David and Diana Fanning of Havre, Montana, and their family, Stacy and Bob Mantle of Havre, Scott and Kendra Fanning of Helena, Montana, and Steven and Pam Fanning of Three Forks, Montana; Ronald and Kathy Fanning of Havre and their family, Jennifer and Cody Thompson of Havre, Kyle Fanning of Havre and Eric Fanning of Boise, Idaho; Brenda and Gerald Cook of Camano Island and their family, Michael Fanning of Marysville, Washington, Kristina and Adam Nelson of Marysville, Washington and Adam Cook of Bellingham, Washington; and Karen and Gabriel Fuentes of Pasco, Washington, and their family, Tyler Henderson of West Richland, Washington, and Jordan Fuentes of Pasco, Washington; his three sisters; one brother; and 12 great-grandchildren that he loved and adored.

Dallas was preceded in death by his wife, Vera Mae; grandson, Brian David; parents; sisters, Marilyn, Sharon and Mary; and brothers, John and Larry.