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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 31, 2020)
RECORDS Thursday, December 31, 2020 East Oregonian A5 OBITUARIES Donald Byron Thompson James Henry ‘Jim’ Carey Alverda White Pendleton March 15, 1932 — November 28, 2020 Pilot Rock July 19, 1935 — December 26, 2020 Pendleton March 9, 1928 — December 17, 2020 Donald Byron was able to attend Thompson, 88, of classes and earn Pendleton, passed licenses in aircraft away on Nov. 28, maintenance, and 2020. He was born served a stint as in Halfway, Ore- squadron mainte- gon, on March 15, nance officer. 1932, to Robert Don retired Dolliver Thomp- from the Guard as son and Thelma a lieutenant col- onel in 1979, and Elmer Thompson. the family moved Don was proud back to Oregon, of his Pine Valley settling in Mil- roots, and spoke t o n - Fr e e w a t e r. often of boyhood Don served as events and expe- riences. He intro- Thompson Cascade Airways’ duced his five director of air- craft maintenance children to adven- tures on family in Walla Walla for property at Sum- a time, and later mit Creek, above in that capacity Halfway, complete for several other with cabin stays, regional airlines. Jeep rides, explor- In 1985, he joined ing, fishing, huck- Federal Express, leberries, Grand- returning to his dad stories, and coveted role as beautiful moun- pilot. Early on, he tain setting. covered various routes, and Don attended schools also served as check pilot, mainly in Pine Valley, hiring agent, and liaison to but also in Baker and La Corporate for several years. Grande, as determined by Eventually his route the winter schedules of his evolved into a Pendleton-La father, a Union Pacific Rail- Grande-Spokane run of road engineer. His junior many years’ duration. He and senior years were spent retired in June 2006, with at Baker High School. There 21 years and many hours of he played varsity basket- FedEx flying to his credit. ball and set records in track Company pilots continued for high jump, pole vault to call upon him for advice and hurdles that remained on aircraft and engine mat- unbroken for a number of ters. He felt blessed to have years. He was awarded the lived his aviation dreams. Outstanding Athlete of the Some among you may Year trophy at the close of also remember his unique his senior year, in 1950. approach to landings at Here, also, he met his future Pendleton airport. His early fondness for wife, Carol Weaver. Don earned a track schol- horses developed into a arship to Oregon State Col- major interest in “natu- lege, where he also competed ral horsemanship.” He was in basketball. He was a mem- an avid student of its tech- ber of Sigma Nu fraternity. niques, and was frequently After his sophomore year, called upon to conduct he entered the Air Force’s demonstrations. In retire- aviation cadet program and ment, Don was able to learned to fly, a skill that devote many happy hours had been a dream since his to the further care and train- boyhood. This launched his ing of his four favored-breed 21-year military career as Morgan horses — Van- a pilot, first with the Stra- guard, Foremost, Landmark tegic Air Command on the and Boogie. As his health declined, KC135 jet tanker, and later the Washington Air National visits with friends and fam- Guard, flying F102 and F101 ily were increasingly trea- sured. In the recent past, aircraft. In January 1958, he and it was also one of his great Carol were married in Boise, pleasures to watch his Idaho. Loring AFB, Maine, youngest grandson, Lane was their home until 1961, Maher, compete for Pend- when Don left active service leton High School in bas- and they returned to Oregon. ketball and track events, He operated a flying ser- the sports that had fig- vice in Halfway for several ured prominently in Don’s years, gaining mountain and history. Don is survived by back-country experience, including remote short land- Carol, his wife of nearly 63 ing strips. This proved use- years; four children, Kris- ful when he next accepted a tin Thompson, Boise, Idaho, position as company pilot for Dr. Erik (Lilinda) Thomp- Sunshine Mining Company, son, Meridian, Idaho, Julie with its silver properties in Maher, Walla Walla, Wash- challenging locations. The ington, and Sonia (Mark) family became Spokane res- Eggert, Bend; nine grand- children; five great-grand- idents for the next 15 years. Don discovered the Wash- children; brother and sister- ington Air National Guard in in-law, Carroll and Benita 1965, and embarked upon a Thompson, Halfway, Ore- 14-year career with the 116th gon; sisters-in-law, Connie Fighter/Interceptor Squad- Weaver and Shirley Weaver, ron. It was a great fit for his both of Boise; brother-in- skill set and personality. On law, Jim Smith, Anchorage, the occasion of Carol’s birth- Alaska; and several cousins, day in 1969, he was forced to nephews and nieces. He was bail out of a crippled F102, predeceased by a daughter, with debris and pilot land- Karin Thompson, in July, ing in a field west of Spo- 2020; sister-in-law, Karen kane. His injuries grounded Smith; and brother-in-law, him for seven months. Time, Wendell Weaver. therapy and determination A memorial gathering for returned him to the cockpit Don and Karin will be held and the air for another 10 Air at a later date. Guard years. He never again Online condolences may forgot Carol’s birthday! be sent to www.pioneer- During his Guard years, he chapel.com. James Henry (Jim) the community suggested he Carey of Pilot Rock, Ore- run for sheriff. He was suc- gon, a beloved husband, cessful in his campaign and father, brother, grandfa- served as ssheriff for Uma- ther and great-grandfather, tilla County for four terms, passed away on having had to Saturday, Dec. 26, resign in his fourth 2020, after reach- term due to health ing the age of 85. concerns. He con- After months of sidered his time in failing health, he law enforcement died peacefully as one of the most enriching times in his home with his beloved wife of his life, par- ticularly his time Jackie by his side. with the Pendle- Jim was born Carey ton P.D. under the on July 19, 1935, direction of Chief in Prineville, Ore- gon, to Anthony Wayne and Gallagher. Helen Carey, together with In 1985, Jim married the an older sister by six years, love of his life, Jackie Ras- Lois. A few years after he mussen. Jackie brought two was born, his family moved children to the marriage, to Ontario, Oregon, and Kimberly and Dustin. Jim five years later returned to considered these children to be his own and felt privi- Prineville. As a young boy, Jim’s leged to help raise them. Jim considered family his parents struggled to make ends meet and he recalled most precious treasure and living in a camp trailer with enjoyed all family gather- his parents and four of his ings particularly Thanksgiv- five siblings. He would tell ing. He also initiated a “Blue the story of his mom set- Bloods” dinner on Sundays. ting the five children outside Those of you that watch the while she was inside making show “Blue Bloods” know the beds for the evening; the exactly what we are talking woman was a saint. Approx- about. His daughter, Tami, imately 18 months after and family continue this tra- Jim’s birth, his brother Bill dition to date. Jim is preceded in death was born, or should we say his comrade in arms with by two infant brothers, Rus- Jim in the lead. Next came sell Blair Carey and Gerald his beautiful sisters, Shir- Wayne Carey; his parents, ley and DeVonna. Shirley Wayne and Helen Carey; his was the quiet, sweet one and sister, Lois Allen (Don); and DeVonna was the one Jim his brother and comrade-in- would like to pick on unmer- arms, Bill Carey. cifully. Many years later, his Jim is survived by his youngest sister Cheryl was loving wife, Jackie Carey born. of Pilot Rock, Oregon; his Jim became an elite foot- daughter, Banita Tweet (Jim) ball player for the Crook of Eatonville, Washington, County Cowboys and helped and their children, Andrea, to lead his team to two state Travis and Kevin and five championships his junior and great-grandchildren; his senior years. He was asked daughter, Paula Hascall to continue playing football of Roseberg, Oregon, and in college, but because of her son, Justin Hascall; his his circumstances, he didn’t daughter, Tami Peterson believe this was possible (Larry) of Nampa, Idaho, and quit high school shortly and their two children, Mat- after his senior year football thew and Jacob; his sister, Shirley Templeton (Brad) of season. Jim somewhat lived Eugene, Oregon, DeVonna on the wild side. He often Brown (Jack-deceased) of shared the story of the time Toledo, Oregon, and Cheryl his team was on the bus Strauss (Joe) of Ellenton, when the coach (driver) Florida; and a host of nieces, stepped off the bus to com- nephews and other beloved plete a chore. Jim jumped friends and family. into the driver’s seat and A service will be held on proceeded to drive the bus Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, at around the block with the 1 p.m. at the Life Church coach chasing behind them. (formerly Presbyterian In the early 1950s, Jim Church) in Pilot Rock, fol- married his first wife, Lillian lowed by a burial at the Pilot Pierce, and they had three Rock cemetery and a recep- daughters, Banita, Paula and tion immediately after at the Tami. Before Tami was born, Life Church. Everyone is the family moved in search welcome. Jim was a strong, proud of a job to Eastern Oregon and finally settled in Pilot and good man. He is loved Rock. Jim started in one of and will be missed by many. For those who wish, you the mills in Pilot Rock and in 1969-1970 he started his may make memorial con- career in law enforcement tributions in Jim’s name to with the Pilot Rock P.D. He Pioneer Humane Society then began working with the (PAWS) at 517 S.E. Third St. Umatilla County Sheriff’s (P.O. Box 1876), Pendleton, OR 97801; www.pendleton- Department as a detective. After a few years with paws.org. Online condolences may the sheriff’s department, he began working for the Pend- be sent to www,pioneer- leton P.D. when members of chapel.com. Alverda White passed had no interest in driving away peacefully in her a car, so all of her life she home on Dec. 17. She was walked. All of her shop- ping and errands were done 92 years old. Alverda was born on on foot. She walked every day, well into her March 9, 1928, later years. She to parents Fran- cis and Blanche attributed her health and longev- Thorne. She was ity to her many the oldest of four years of vigorous siblings, Rich- ard Ray Thorne walking. Alverda was (deceased), John always incredibly Emory Thorne dedicated to her of Pilot Rock family. She was and James Levi White the best daughter, Thorne of Walla sister, aunt, grand- Walla. Alverda married Jack mother and mother that she White in 1954, and they could possibly be. She will had two daughters, Kathy remain a remarkable exam- and Mary White. Alverda ple of kindness, generosity, was an incredible mother empathy and great strength to her daughters, and later that we will continue to an incredible grandmother aspire to. Our lives have to her grandsons, Chad and been greatly enriched her love. Christopher. Services will be held at For over 30 years, Alverda worked at the Pend- Pendleton Pioneer Chapel leton Woolen Mills factory, on Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. Online condolences may from where she retired in 1998. She walked to and be sent to www.pioneer- from work every day. She chapel.com. William E. West Arlington May 9, 1933 — December 24, 2020 On Thursday, Dec. 24, William E. West, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at age 87. Bill was born May 9, 1933, at Mikkalo, Oregon, to Alvin and Neva West. He spent his life enjoying the love of family, ranching, making music, fishing and hunting. He was a kind and gentle man loved by many. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Alvin, his mother, Neva, and broth- ers, Jim and Doug. He is survived by his wife, Bar- bara; his three children, Randy, Holly and Mitchell; his brother, Jack; 11 grand- children; 10 great-grand- children; and several cous- ins, nieces and nephews. Bill’s immediate family held a graveside service at the Arlington, Oregon, cem- etery on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 9, Heppner, OR 97836. Sweeney Mortuary of Heppner is in care of arrangements. You may sign the online condolence book at www.sweeneymortuary. com. Judi Darlene Minkler Pendleton January 18, 1945 — December 21, 2020 Judi Darlene Minkler husband of 29 years, Dave passed away on Dec. 21, Minkler; children, Scott 2020, at St. Anthony Hos- Meadows (Marlene), Chad pital in Pendleton, Oregon. Meadows (Tylene), Chet She was born in Ever- Meadows (Sherri), Jonie ett, Washington, Mills (Travis) on Jan. 18, 1945, and Tony Min- kler (Jessica); sis- to Siever and ter, Peg Hartsock; Beatrice Bunch. brother, Dan Judi graduated Bunch; 17 grand- from Arling- ton High School, children; three Arlington, Wash- great-grandchil- ington, in 1963. dren; and numer- ous nieces and Judi came to nephews. Eastern Oregon in Minkler She was pre- 1969 and worked ceded in death by for Smith Fro- zen Foods before acquir- her parents, and stepsons, ing her cosmetology license Mark Meadows and Grant and opening The Hair Shop Minkler. in Athena. Her beautician A private family get-to- work allowed her to express gether will be held when her creative side and work the flowers bloom up the with the many loyal patrons river. Donations in her mem- in the community. She developed many friend- ory may be made to Pend- ships over the years. leton PAWS. Her passions were her Arrangements are with art, her animals, and fam- Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, ily gatherings at the river Folsom-Bishop. Online property. condolences may be sent to Judi is survived by her www.pioneerchapel.com. James Douglas Stroud Linda Jo Stroud Ukiah December 8, 1938 — December 25, 2020 September 25, 1941 — December 25, 2020 James Douglas Stroud and Linda Jo (Bowie) Stroud left this world together on Dec. 25, 2020, as the life partners that they had been since their wedding day on Nov. 4, 1961, in Hood River, Oregon. Doug was born in Stock- ton, California, to James Herbert Stroud and Ber- tha Belle (Butts) Stroud on Dec. 8, 1938, while Linda Jo (Bowie) Stroud came into this world on Sept. 25, 1941, in Hood River, Ore- gon, to Philip Nolan Bowie and Emma Lucinda (Wilson) Bowie. They met, fell in love and married in Hood River, where their first son, Bryan Douglas Stroud, was born. Jobs and opportunities came over the years, as did a grow- ing family with two more sons, David Allan Stroud and Loren Gene Stroud, and the family was completed with a daughter, Tamara Kay Stroud. Doug spent much of his career working in various positions for the city of Walla Walla, Washington, and then later relocated to Ukiah, Oregon, when he went into semi-retirement while driv- ing bus for the local school district as a follow-on to being a bus driver at the Ath- ena-Weston School District. Linda spent the majority of their 59 years together as a homemaker, but also spent time working at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, Ore- gon, for approximately 25 years prior to her retirement. Doug enjoyed dry fly fish- ing, amateur (ham) radio operation, and metal detect- ing, and operated a weather station in Ukiah. Linda was an avid reader with a partic- ular fondness for true crime novels, and enjoyed col- lecting recipes. They both enjoyed the natural settings in the Pacific Northwest, be they mountains or coastal, where they spent nearly all their lives. They also took great satisfaction in hosting a series of foreign exchange students in their home, many of whom kept in touch after returning to their home countries. They were active members in their commu- nity church where Doug also served as a deacon. Their legacy includes five grandchildren and many friends who mourn their sud- den passing. Arrangements are in the care of Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop. Share online condolences with the family at www.pio- neerchapel.com. OBITUARY POLICY The East Oregonian publishes paid obituaries. The obituary can include small photos and, for veterans, a flag symbol at no charge. Obituaries may be edited for spelling, proper punctuation and style. Expanded death notices will be published at no charge. These include information about services. Obituaries and notices can be submitted online at EastOregonian. com/obituaryform, by email to obits@eastoregonian.com, by fax to 541-276-8314, placed via the funeral home or in person at the East Oregonian office. For more information, call 541-966-0818 or 1-800-522-0255, ext. 221.