Clifford Eugene O’Dell, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 4, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
William A Sugg, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 5, 2024. A Celebration of Life Will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Ervin Alvin Ortmann, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 7, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Walter Earl Smith, 95, a resident of The Dalles, passed away on December 6 th , 2024.
Walt was born to Walter and Francis Smith in Myrtle Point, OR in 1929. He was the youngest of 10 children. Walt was an excellent student and served as president of the student body. He graduated from Myrtle Point High School before enrolling at Oregon State University. After two years of studies, Walt transferred to the University of Oregon to enroll in their education program. There he met his future bride, Beth, in 1950.
Walt was active in ROTC and while working on his master’s degree, he was called to service following the outbreak of the Korean War. While in training at Fort Benning, GA, his bride defied her parents and hopped there on a train from California. Walt and Beth were wed in 1951 and soon after, traveled back to California for more military training. Walt served in the Army honorably in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his acts of bravery.
After returning home, Walt and Beth immediately returned to the University of Oregon to complete Walt’s graduate program in 1953. That summer, while working on a dairy farm with his brother, Walt received a call from the superintendent of schools in The Dalles, OR offering him a job. The young couple packed up and headed to their new home for what they intended to be a five-year stay. In 1954, Walt and Beth welcomed their first child, and later, three more children. During this time, Walt’s passion for teaching grew and the family decided to make The Dalles their permanent home.
Walt went on to teach English at The Dalles High School for 36 years. He was a quiet man at home and outside of the classroom, but once he stepped foot in that classroom, he came alive. He was full of charisma, told the best stories, and had an amazing sense of humor. He and Les Jensen, a fellow English teacher, were always pal-ing around and joking with the students. While all his children attended The Dalles High School, none of them opted or dared to attend his class.
Walt worked the ticket booths for all three sports seasons at the high school, where he got acquainted in a different setting with his students and their parents. He was known as the “man at the booth.” He spent most summers working at Stadelman Fruit processing cherries, and making ends meet to support his family. Walt retired from teaching in 1989.
In his long retirement years, Walt loved traveling with Beth to Reno, making stops at every casino along the way. He also enjoyed playing golf, although he was never very good at it. Many locals would also remember his daily morning walks around the neighborhood from his home on Jordan Street. Walt was also a lifelong Ducks sports fan; you could find him in his recliner watching every game possible.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and extended family, as well as his grandson, Andy Nelson.
Walt is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Beth; children Debbie, Laurie, Kathy, and Gary; grandchildren Melissa and Kayla; and great grandchildren Trynity, Orion, Jaxson, and Charlotte.
At Walt’s request, the family will not be holding a service.
In lieu of flowers, Walt’s family requests memorials be made in his name to the North Wasco County School District Education Foundation.
Richard Michael Gate, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 3, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lillian Clara Brewster, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 3, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robert De Lee Rolen, age 97, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 28, 2024. The Funeral service will be December 10, 2024, 11 am at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Laurence “Dino” Arcuri, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 28, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Judith E Bartell, age 99, a resident of Astoria, OR, passed away November 29, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Rita Jane Clinton, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 2, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Marilyn K Daggett age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 20, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held December 14, 2024, 2 PM in the Fireside Room at the Civic Auditorium, 323 E 4th St, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Allen Brent Van Gilder age 47, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away November 24, 2024. A viewing will be held December 6, 2024, 1 pm to 2 pm at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Michael Harold Palmer, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 18, 2024. A Viewing will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 5 pm to 6pm at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Earl LeRoy Helmer, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 21, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
John William Shearer, of The Dalles, peacefully passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 98. He was born May 5, 1926, in The Dalles, OR to Marcus and Matilda (Davis) Shearer.
John grew up in Maupin where he attended school and helped at his family’s hotel and restaurant. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force during WWII. During his service he studied flight engineering, worked on a B17 engine change crew, trained as a drill instructor, and was accepted into a liaison pilot training program.
After an honorable discharge, John returned to Maupin where he reconnected with a high school friend, Barbara Crabtree. They were married on June 12, 1946, at the age of 20, and were married for 77 years. John and Barbara eventually settled in The Dalles to raise their four children.
John was always interested in airplanes, starting with building model planes as a young boy. He earned a commercial and private pilots license and was hired as a crop duster. Despite setbacks, including a crash resulting in a broken neck, John built the business he owned and operated starting in 1950. John's impressive work ethic has made Shearer Sprayers become a multigenerational business serving the Gorge for over 70 years. Even after retiring from flying, John was always involved in the happenings of his business and its success.
John had a love for cars, airplanes, guns, cats, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was also an excellent writer with a great sense of humor, and his family and friends always enjoyed John's poems. John was the center of his family, the Patriarch, and who everyone looked to for inspiration and guidance on how to live life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his generosity, wit, determination, and fearlessness.
He is survived by son John Richard Shearer and wife Kathy; son Gary Shearer and wife Dixie; daughter Mary Johnson and husband Terry; Grandchildren Cory Erickson and wife Paula; Mandi Coats and husband John; Kevin Shearer; Marcus Shearer; John Robert Shearer and wife Jennifer; Meggan Erland and husband Alec; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by wife Barbara Shearer, daughter Linda Erickson, brother C.R. "Dick" Shearer, and brother Jack Shearer who died in infancy.
Being a humble and private man, it was John's request that no formal service is to be held. Those wishing to honor his life may make a donation in his name to the Western Antique Airplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, OR.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Beverly “Jayne” Jane Burros, age 81, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 31, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
George Donald Van De Vanter, age 95, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away November 2, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robin Lee Faulkner N7GSU, age 74, a resident of Condon, OR, passed away October 24, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Wylmoth Fern Jones, age 93, a resident of Dallesport, WA, passed away October 27, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jeffrey Earl Smith, age 62, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away October 25, 2024. A viewing will be held November 22, 2024, 10-11:30 am at the Wasco Community Church with a Graveside Service to follow at 1:00 pm at Wasco Sun Rise Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be November 23, 2024, 12-3 pm at The Dalles Middle School. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.