Duane Stanley McPheeters
March 15, 1932~ January 13, 2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Duane Stanley McPheeters announces his passing on Sunday, Jan. 13, at the age of 86. He will be greatly missed.
Duane Stanley McPheeters was born in Nampa, Idaho on March 15, 1932, to parents Wayne and Helen Neal McPheeters. He had one brother, Milton and one sister, Sharon (stillborn).
He was previously married to Wanda Burt. Together they have three children, Tim (Connie) McPheeters, Susan McPheeters, and Jeff (Dorinda) McPheeters.
On June 30, 1980, Duane married Kay Barrentine Wright. He expanded his family, which includes R. Dean (Mary Jane) Wright, Teresa (Gary) Meeker, and James (Kristen) Wright.
He had a lifelong affair with any candy he could get his hands onto. Snickers was one of his greatest loves. There was a time that Black Velvet softly called his name that helped him dance with a big smile upon his face.
During his lifetime, Duane worked several jobs, mostly running heavy equipment. He worked for the State of Oregon, the Vale Irrigation District, an Oregon lumber mill, and the City of Vale.
He proudly served in his community and genuinely loved to serve others. Duane was a volunteer fireman for over 40 years, serving 30 of those years as the fire chief. He was part of the rescue workers team during the flood of 1957 in Vale, Oregon. He was one of Oregon’s first EMT’s and volunteered for the Vale Ambulance Crew. Several volunteer hours were spent working with the Vale Rodeo, Vale High School and Vale Airport while working full-time for the City of Vale. Upon retiring, Duane was unanimously elected mayor of Vale. When he came up for re-election, Duane politely said, “No, thank you.” However, the citizens of Vale had other plans for Duane by electing him with write-in votes, earning him a total of two terms as the mayor.
Numerous times during his lifetime, Duane was honored for his countless service hours. He earned the citizen of the year award, fireman of the year, the Vale Rodeo grand marshal, and many other countless honors.
Duane was a devoted family man and friend to many. He enjoyed attending many sports and other events for his grandchildren. Some of his favorite activities included camping, fishing countless hours, and hunting for elk, deer, and pheasants. Duane was always there to help anyone who needed him. No matter how busy he was with his own projects, Duane would jump in his truck to help those who needed him without a second thought.
Duane will always be remembered for his sense of humor, practical jokes, laughter, kindness, a listening ear and a caring heart.
His wife Kay of 38 years and his children, Tim, Susan, Jeff, R Dean, Teresa, and James, will lovingly remember Duane. He will also be fondly remembered by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. His father, mother, brother, sister, several aunts and uncles as well as his best friend, Mark Veristain precede him in death.
A celebration of Duane’s life was held at Vale Christian Church on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Phil Abbott officiating. Services under the direction of Lienkaemper Chapel, Vale. Condolences to the family may be made at www.lienkaemper-thomason.com
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Vale Fire & Ambulance Department or Vale Senior Citizen Center.
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Hugh Norris
April 16, 1926~ January 12, 2019
Hugh Norris was 92 years old when he passed on Jan. 12 from age-related natural causes.
He was born in Nebraska on April 16, 1926, and worked the family farm for much of his adult life. He served his country in the U.S. Army, in the Korean War. Hugh married Dorothy Schnepp and they lived in Oregon and Nebraska, most of the later years in Vale, Oregon. Dorothy preceded him in death.
Hugh’s most recent home for nearly four years has been Nyssa Gardens Assisted Living in Nyssa, where he received exemplary care!
In his own words, he said he didn’t like having to be cared for, but since he has no choice, you couldn’t ask for better care or a nicer place to live! Thank you so much to all at Nyssa Gardens Assisted Living and Signature Hospice, who provided him support and care during his time there!
Arrangements for burial at Fir Lawn Cemetery in Hillsboro, Oregon were done by Lienkaemper Funeral Chapel. There will be no service in Eastern Oregon.
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Richard (Dick) King
June 21 1935~ January 13, 2019
Richard (Dick) King, 83, of Vale, passed away Sunday, Jan. 13, at an Ontario Hospital. He was born on June 21, 1935, in Rulo, Nebraska, to Les and Addie King.
Pre- and post-retirement, Dick loved to fish, travel and play cards. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much.
He was always in good spirits and truly wanted the best for those around him, he always loved driving around and reminiscing about his youth and the many places he lived in the valley. Dad never knew a stranger and was a gentle soul that his family will greatly miss.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Linda, and brother Wayne. He is survived by his children Rick (Oralia) King of Nyssa, Annette (Carlos) Fournier of Puerto Rico, Amy (Kris) Hellman of Olympia, Norah (Darryl) Agersea of Hood River and Tracey (Bill) Buhrig of Vale, in addition 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
After a time in the Air Force, Dick worked for many years as an onion inspector for the State of Idaho and raced horses at Les Bois Park in Boise.
The family would like to thank the staff at Pioneer Place in Vale and St. Alphonsus in Ontario for their care. Everyone was amazing while helping Dick and the family through a difficult time.
A memorial service will be held Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Vale. Services are under the direction of Lienkaemper Chapel, Vale.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made to Pioneer Place in Vale. Condolences may be made to the family at www.lienkaemper-thomason.com.
Deaths:
• Beth A. Heck, 91, of Ontario, died Jan. 13. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario.
• Michael Henry Kreider, 36, of Vale, died Jan. 14 as a result of an auto accident near Caldwell. Lienkaemper Chapel, Vale.
• Gordan Hammerle, 85, of Roseburg and formerly of Vale, died Dec. 28. Services were held in Roseburg.
LEARN HOW TO PLACE AN OBITUARY: Contact Autumn Butler, Enterprise office manager, at [email protected] or call 514-473-3377.