Jonathan L. Dearmore

Jonathan Lee Dearmore was born in Little Rock, Ark., and raised in Mountain Home, Ark., where he still has numerous family members who remember and love him. At the time of his death, he was 50 years old and living in Grays River. He had lived in Arkansas, Maryland and California, but when he met his wife and fell in love, he moved to Washington and never looked back.

From a very early age, he wanted to be in law enforcement. Jon graduated from Clayton Valley High School in Concord, Calif., and subsequently worked for several banks before entering the police academy and making law enforcement his life's work. He received numerous awards and citations during his law enforcement career.

He lived his life to serve others. He was fearless in his devotion to his family and his work. The day he graduated from the police academy was one of the happiest days of his life. Everyone who met Jon was awed by his larger-than-life appearance and overwhelming generosity of spirit. He liked to tell the story of when he pulled over someone for speeding, he might let them off if they could spell the county they were in - Wahkiakum.

Jon was a passionate motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed riding his Police Officer Special Edition Harley Davidson. He also loved riding ATVs both recreationally and during marijuana-eradication missions. He was happy serving his community, patrolling the county roads or making presentations to local groups. He accomplished his dream of becoming sheriff and was known for always having an open-door policy and listening ear.

Jon was committed to being a Christ-follower. He strove to live out his faith and respected everyone he met. He was always willing and able to help those in need. He was a man who loved music, animals and especially his family.

Being married to his wife, Lori, and having his daughter Kaelee were the proudest accomplishments of his life. He was a loving, dedicated and doting husband and father. His daughter boasted that he was not only her hero but her best friend. His wife always referred to him as the love of her life.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Reba Dearmore; and his much-loved drug dog Digger.

He is survived in Grays River by his wife, Lori, and daughter Kaelee; his honorary daughter, Haley Landis of Las Vegas; a sister, Diana in Woodland, Calif .; his in-laws, Paul and Darlene Bjornsgard of Naselle; two brothers-in-law and their wives, Jeff and Katie Bjornsgard of Naselle, and Ryan and Cherise Bjornsgard of Camas; a sister-in-law and her husband, Alissa and Chris Dorman of Naselle; his nieces and nephews, Emily, Paul, Wesley, Ava, Lauren, Jadon and Adriana Bjornsgard and Cole Dorman; and numerous cousins in Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jon Dearmore Memorial Fund at any Bank of America or a charity of choice.

Jon will be remembered for the way he lived his life.

Arrangements are by Penttila's Chapel by the Sea, Long Beach.