Joseph H. Wearn, MD Joseph Henry Wearn was born in Charlotte, NC, on January 5, 1938 to Olin and Mary Patterson Wearn. He died peacefully and loved at home in Gig Harbor on December 16, 2017. Dr. Wearn was a beloved pediatrician for three generations of Pierce County’s children. He was an early advocate and leader in establishing Mary Bridge as a regional medical center for children, as well as the newborn intensive care unit at Tacoma General. Following retirement, Dr. Wearn found new joy in private aviation: flying to breakfast on Saturday mornings with the Fosdick Flyers; trips to Pt. Townsend with his flying buddy for marionberry pie; teaching his young granddaughter, “a natural”, to fly; sharing his passion with other pilots at QB meetings. Dr. Wearn received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of safe flying. Major Wearn served with pride in the US Army and held our nation and our military close to his heart. He was an Eagle Scout, as were his grandson and his father before him. He was an enthusiastic advisor and mentor for Aviation Explorers, Post 1735, at Tacoma Narrows Airport. Dr. Wearn is survived by his wife Patricia; stepson Matthew Kupka (Jennifer); sons David and Michael Wearn; daughters Lisa Wearn and Laura Morse; daughters-in-law Debbie Wearn and Kelli Wearn; and brother George (Jeannie) Wearn. He was proud of his grandchildren Alex and Katie Wearn, Brandon and Colin Wearn, Lauren Kupka, and Justin Wearn. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved son Robert Wearn. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2-5 PM, at the Inn at Gig Harbor. In lieu of flowers, please make donations for local cancer care and research to South Sound CARE Foundation, P.O. Box 1314, Tacoma, WA 98401-1314 or southsoundcarefoundation.org. Please share memories and condolences at www.edwardsmemorial.com
Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Dec. 24, 2017.