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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 20, 2017)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 RECORDS HERMISTONHERALD.COM • A5 OBITUARIES Monty Rex Hixson Ronald L. ‘Ron’ Fear James Lee ‘Jim’ Tracy Scottsdale, Ariz. December 4, 1947 - September 17, 2017 Hermiston April 29, 1942 - September 11, 2017 Hermiston November 4, 1949 - September 9, 2017 Hixson Monty Rex Hixson passed away in the early hours of Sunday, Septem- ber 17, 2017, after a long battle with kidney cancer. He was born on Dec. 4, 1947, to George Rex Hixson and Evelyn Prue (Meyers) Hixson in La Junta, Colorado. After graduating high school in 1966 at Crowley County High School, he attend- ed college at Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo. In 1968 he moved to Long Creek, Or- egon, with his parents and younger brother Bret. Pendleton, Oregon, be- came his home in the mid- 1970s and is where he met his current wife Jeannine (Soule) Hixson. Together Monty and Jeannine cre- ated a small family busi- ness, Hixson Construction. In the early years, Hixson Construction operated as a logging company that also specialized in road build- ing and excavation. In 1996, Hixson Con- struction broke into the renewable energy indus- try by performing the road building, foundation exca- vation and utility trench- ing for the Vancycle Ridge wind energy project. From there, Hixson Construc- tion grew to become a key player in the development of numerous wind ener- gy projects throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Their daughter, Kathryn, also joined the company after completing her college education and worked alongside Monty in several wind industry projects. Monty is survived by his mother, Evelyn Hixson, who currently resides in Pendleton, Ore- gon, as well as his broth- er, Bret Hixson, who is a veterinarian in Corvallis, Oregon. Both Jeannine and Kathryn Hixson reside in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Monty spent much of the last few years of his life enjoying the Arizona sunshine. Monty is also survived by daughter Tina Simmons from a previous marriage, as well as many kind and generous friends that treated him like fam- ily. A Celebration of Life gathering will commence at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, in the Let ’er Buck Room in Pendleton. Narcisa De La Cruz Hermiston November 14, 1927 - September 18, 2017 Narcisa De La Cruz of Texas; daughter Juanita Hermiston, Oregon, was Arellano and her husband born on November 14, Hector, Hermiston, Ore.; 1927, in Mexico to parents grandchildren Eddie Jr., Manuel Olivares and Petra Eloy, Alex, Jessica, Melis- sa, Alba, Kassandra Trevino. She died on and Hector Jr.; and September 18, 2017, four great-grandchil- in Hermiston, Ore- dren. gon, at the age of 89 Narcisa was pre- years. ceded in death by Narcisa was her parents, and sev- raised in Mexico and en siblings. married Celso De A funeral ser- La Cruz on Decem- De La Cruz vice will be held ber 31, 1958. They September moved to Hermiston, Or- Wednesday, egon, in 1976 where they 20, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. at Burns Mortuary chapel, have lived since. Narcisa worked as a trim Hermiston, Oregon. A line operator for JR Simplot graveside service will be until retiring in 1991. She held Thursday, Septem- enjoyed cooking, flowers, ber 21, 2017, at 11 a.m. at singing and most of all time the Hermiston Cemetery, with her family, especially Hermiston, Oregon. Please sign the online her grandchildren. She is survived by her condolence book at burns- husband, Celso De La mortuaryhermiston.com. Burns Mortuary of Cruz, Hermiston, Ore.; son Eddie De La Cruz and his Hermiston, Oregon, is in wife Gloria, San Antonio, charge of arrangements. Ronald L. “Ron” Fear of Hermiston, Oregon, was born on April 29, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, to parents Roy and Nancy “Billy” Buck Fear, where he was raised with four sisters and a brother. He died on September 11, 2017, in Hermiston, Ore- gon, at the age of 75 years. He left school af- Fear ter eighth grade to help support his family by driving a mail truck. He always loved sports, espe- cially football, and never missed a game of his be- loved Denver Broncos. He even played semi-pro- fessional football for two years in the AFL. While in Denver he worked for Union Pacific Railroad, then became a traveling vacuum salesman. In 1974 he moved to the Hermiston area, where he eventual- ly opened his own store, Ron’s Sew Vac Center, which he owned and oper- ated for many years. Ron was united in marriage to Kathryn “Kathy” Sinor on April 2, 1983, in Hermis- ton, Oregon. Ron was always looking for an adventure and his passion for hunting, fish- ing, boating, camping, and anything outdoors started when he was a boy and continued throughout his life. As a devoted family man he shared his passion with all. He instilled his love of the outdoors in his family and friends in count- less weekends spent camp- ing on the river filled with fishing and water skiing. He was everyone’s favorite uncle and made every out- ing fun, exciting, and full of laughter. He proudly became a professional fisherman and competed in numerous fish- ing tournaments. He quali- fied for the Cabela’s Na- tional Team Championship three years running, where he was sponsored by Rang- er boats. He also loved to garden and was particularly fond of dahlias, roses and fuchsias and was proud of the cantaloupe, peaches and tomatoes that he grew in abundance. Ron’s heart and home were always open to those in need. His Thanksgiving table and Christ- mas tree were al- ways surrounded by friends, fami- ly, and anyone he came across that didn’t have any- where else to go. He played a prominent role in local service organizations, ris- ing to the role of district director in the Jaycees and past master in the Masonic Lodge, and was a member of the Hermiston Rotary Club. How do you say good- bye to a man who changed so many lives and brought so much joy and happiness into this world? His spirit lives on through the mem- ories of all whose lives he touched. He is survived by his daughters Ginger Florence (Richard), Wendi Fisher, Karen Martien (Dinesh) and April Numerick (Chad); sisters JoAnn Bishop, Sha- ron Stapleton and Jerry Valentin; grandchildren Stephanie, Hunter, Kylee, JJ, Tyler, Lane, Sherwood, Ryan, Sierra, Devin, Ryan, Kyle, Ella and Miranda; great-granddaughter Addi- son; numerous nieces and nephews; and Kathy Wil- cox and Jackie Thibodeau. Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Fear; mother Nancy “Bil- ly” Terry; father Roy Fear; a son, Donny Leavitt; a granddaughter, Lanai Leavitt; a sister, Gayle Smith; and his brother, Gary Fear. A graveside service was held on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at the Hermiston Cemetery, Hermiston, Or- egon. Please sign the online condolence book at burns- mortuaryhermiston.com. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon, is in charge of arrangements. Gary Dwayne Linn Hermiston October 29, 1947 - September 4, 2017 Gary Dwayne Linn, 69, of Hermiston, Or- egon, passed away on September 4, 2017, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washing- ton. He was born on Oct. 29, 1947, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Forrest and Juan- Linn ita Linn. Gary served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He married Elaine J. Breedlove on Aug. 7, 1970. Gary retired as an elec- trician for Integrated Sys- tems of Portland. He lived in Hermiston for 11 months and was a member of New Hope Community Church. He enjoyed computers, read- ing and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife; son Jon (Christie) and children J.R., Zach and Maria; and sons Jeremy (Amy) and Joshua (Angel) and chil- dren David and Katie. He is preced- ed in death by his parents For- rest and Juanita Linn. There will be a celebration of life on September 30, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Greater Portland Bible Church in Portland. In lieu of flowers please send gifts to Sa- maritans Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. James Lee (Jim) Tracy died at home on September 9, 2017 in Hermiston, Or- egon, after a heroic battle with cancer. He was 67. Jim was born on November 4, 1949, in Walla Walla, Wash- ington, to Lloyd and Evelyn Tracy and grew up in Umatilla. Tracy Before McNary Dam was built he roamed the islands and shoreline of the Columbia Riv- er, even rescuing a spider monkey that had fallen off a passing barge. He loved animals and raised everything his parents would allow. Jim graduated from Umatilla High School in 1968. He went to work at Marlette Mobile Homes be- fore he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. After his honorable dis- charge, he returned to Herm- iston and began working again at Marlette. He bought and remodeled a small home and trailer, chopped his Har- ley, bought a Chevy van and enjoyed the “good life.” He also found his life lacked meaning and purpose; but on November 19, 1972, Jim found himself at an old-fashioned Pentecostal Revival service. That night at the altar, he gave his life to Jesus Christ and walked away a new man. Those of you who were privileged to hear his testi- mony know what a miracu- lous night that was. He said he felt clean and whole for the first time in his life. Jim said, “God you have done so much for me, what can I do for you?” The answer was, “Just tell folks about me.” And that’s what Jim did for the rest of his life. Even the hospice nurses heard his testimony just days be- fore his death. Jim decided to learn more about serv- ing Jesus and went to Bar- tlesville Wesleyan College (now Oklahoma Wesleyan University) in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. While there he served on the prison min- istry team and worked as a resident assistant in the dorm. While at BWC he met Dorcie McIntyre. They were married June 6, 1975, and began an adventure that lasted over 42 years. The Tracys moved back to Hermiston in 1977 and their family grew with the addi- tions of Jennifer, Elizabeth and Brian. Jim loved to have people over and frequently invited the whole church for potlucks on Sunday after- noons. He enjoyed building and creating play areas for the kids. Friends remember the fun they had as children with the play house, a tree house complete with rope swings and slide, teeter tot- ters, parachutes, trampoline and over-inflated tractor tire tubes and waterbeds to jump on. In 1983, he took a job with Sanitary Disposal where he worked for 18 years. He enjoyed the phys- ical labor, emptying cans by hand before automation. He also brought home many found items that he turned into treasure over the years. One of his favorite hobbies was to take some- thing discarded and broken and then re- pair or repurpose it. When building the current Church of the Nazarene, Jim craft- ed the pulpit, cross and communion ta- ble from the oak pews of the former building. In 1995 Jim started JLT Paint- ball. He was es- pecially proud of owning his own business. Over the years, JLT Paint- ball provided a weekly, safe place for kids and adults to play. Jim ran a tight ship and insisted players stick to the rules. He hosted games for businesses, baseball and football teams and even students visiting from Ja- pan. The business quickly outgrew the little room in the house and Jim built a unique store just outside the front door. Many came to buy guns and ended up just hanging out, telling stories and listening to the wisdom of Jim. Ill health forced Jim to sell the business in 2013 but the life lessons learned on the paintball field contin- ue in many people’s lives. Preceded in death by his parents, Jim is survived by his wife, Dorcie; daughters Jennifer (Lance) Reidlinger and Elizabeth (Lucas) Brad- shaw and son Brian (Jen- nifer) Tracy; brother Don (Mary Ellen) Tracy; sister Janene Tracy Kelley; many nephews and nieces; and his nine grandchildren: Tay- lor, Chase, Carson, Jack- son, Cooper, Kirsten, Aus- tin, Eleanor (Lennie) and one on the way. He waited each year for spring and summer so he could take them all camping, fishing, shooting and hunting. He loved spending time in the Blue Mountains, especially the area around Desolation Creek. So many precious memories were created on those camping trips. Jim will be remembered as a kind, gentle man who was always ready and will- ing to help anyone he could and who loved his family and his Saviour. Jim was a member of the Hermiston Church of the Nazarene for 39 years and held a local preacher’s license. Jim appreciated the ef- forts of others to help peo- ple get back on their feet. Donations in Jim’s honor may be sent to Desert Rose Ministries, 512 E. Main St., Hermiston, OR 97838. A celebration of life ser- vice with military honors will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Hermiston Church of the Nazarene, 1520 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston, OR 97838. A private family buri- al will be at the Hermiston Cemetery, Hermiston, Ore- gon. Please sign the online condolence book at burns- mortuaryhermiston.com. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon, is in charge of arrangements. 6:01 p.m. — A suicidal subject was reported at West Madrona Avenue, Hermiston. SUNDAY, SEPT. 17 10:09 p.m. — A juvenile and an adult, the uncle, were fighting at West Juniper Avenue, Hermiston. 8:50 p.m. — A woman reported that a man was trying to beat her up, at East Main Street, Hermiston. 9:31 p.m. — A woman was causing a disturbance at Safeway and refused to leave, on South Highway 395, Hermiston. PUBLIC SAFETY LOG TUESDAY, SEPT. 12 6:18 p.m. — A burglary was reported at South Highway 395, Hermiston. A caller said his travel trailer had been broken into and had been destroyed. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 13 2:38 a.m. — Third-hand report of a domestic violence at South First Street, Hermiston. 2:04 p.m. — A suicidal subject was reported at South First Street, Hermiston. 2:15 p.m. — A prowler was reported in the back yard at Southwest 16th Place, Hermiston, late the previous night or early that morning. The caller’s son said he saw the prowler, but the person shined a flashlight in his face causing him to not be able to see. 4:58 p.m. — Shots were fired at West Cody Avenue, the person was shot in the right arm with a 9-millimeter. 7:31 p.m. — A suicidal subject was reported at East Ridgeway Avenue, Hermiston. 8:51 p.m. — A woman on North Hill Drive, Hermiston, said her stepfather was causing a disturbance. THURSDAY, SEPT. 14 3:15 p.m. — Two Hispanic males were fighting at West Orchard Avenue. One had a bat. 4:51 p.m. — A caller reported some copper wire at a residence near him, that he thought was stolen, at North First Street, Hermiston. 4:58 p.m. — A runaway was report- ed at South Highway 395, Hermiston. FRIDAY, SEPT. 15 9:12 a.m. — A person was reported missing at Northeast Alora Drive, Hermiston. 9:46 a.m. — A caller reported that he broke up with his girlfriend and she jumped out of the moving car, at Northwest June Avenue and Northwest Spruce Street, Hermiston. 2:30 p.m. — A caller reported that an older male in a white vehicle, with Oregon license plate number GAK543 almost ran her off the road at South Highway 395 and Southeast Fourth Street, and then took off north. 10:16 p.m. — A man reported his girlfriend was intoxicated and was hitting him, at Northwest 11th Street, Hermiston. 11:47 p.m. — A man called the police department from East Hurlburt Avenue, saying he was suicidal. SATURDAY, SEPT. 16 10:39 a.m. — A homemade ladder was reported on the back at West Harper Road, Hermiston. DENTAL Itsuratce Physiciats Mutual Itsuratce Compaty A less expetsive way to help get the dettal care you deserve If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about $1 a day* Keep your own dentist! 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