Obituaries for the day of August 9, 2011

LOCAL FUNERALS AND VISITATIONS

Aug. 10 — Richard ‘Dickie’ Shafer, casual dress celebration of life, 5 p.m., Elgin Stampede grounds; potluck to follow

Aug. 12 — Barbara Ann Murdoch, graveside service, 10 a.m., Haines Cemetery; memorial lunch follows, North Powder School cafeteria

Aug. 13 — Theodore Hooey, celebration of life, 3 p.m., American Legion Post 43, La Grande

Aug. 13 — John J. Gregory, graveside, 11 a.m., Wallowa Cemetery

Johnnie Wilson

Formerly of La Grande

A funeral service for Johnnie Wilson, who died Aug. 5, will begin at 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at Loveland Funeral Chapel.

Johnnie was 97 and formerly lived in La Grande. Loveland Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Richard Lee ‘Dickie’ Shafer

Elgin

1951-2010

Richard Lee “Dickie” Shafer, 60, of Elgin, died Aug. 1 at his residence. A celebration of life will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Elgin Stampede grounds. A reception with potluck dinner will immediately follow the service. For potluck information, call Misty Shafer-Calhoun at 541-720-7796. Loveland Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

He was born Jan. 11, 1951, in Enterprise to Richard Lee Shafer and Viola Frances Shuman Shafer. He attended Stella Mayfield Grade School and graduated from Elgin High School. In 1998, he married Gloria Marie Wise.

Dickie was the owner of an excavation business that covers four counties. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with black powder and was a member of the National Rifle Association. He excelled at welding and taught welding classes. Operating excavation equipment was his livelihood, but also his biggest hobby. His greatest love was being with his family and all the activities they enjoyed together.

Dickie is survived by his wife, Gloria; their children and spouses, Kristie McDonald of Sand Springs, Okla., Misty and Travis Calhoun of Hermiston, Jeannie and Troy Auston of Eagle Point, Kristi Shafer of Williams, Rachelle and Jake Shafer of Elgin and John “Bubba” Shafer of Elgin; his sisters and their spouses, Betty and Ben Hays of Elgin and Jenny and Jeff Reid of Tollgate; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and five nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Viola; and his “second father,” Howard Swagger.

A memorial fund has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses. Those who would like to help may send contributions to Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande 97850.

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