558 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754 | (541) 447-6205
Verl (Jerry) Demaris Hereford passed away at age 95, on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010 at Ochoco Care Center in Prineville.
He was born Aug. 11, 1915 in his grandmother’s home on Mill Creek. He was the second son born to Earl and Flora (Hammach) Hereford. He spent much of his youth with his Grandmother, Irene Fuller Yancey on her Mill Creek homestead. His Dad worked for Shevlin-Hixon logging company so the family moved many times. They finally settled in Stevenson, Wash., where his Dad worked on the Bonneville Dam.
Jerry graduated from Stevenson High School.
He married Rosa Blanche McClun on June 3 1939.
He worked in the Lookout Mountain cinnabar mines before buying a ranch on upper Mill Creek where he ranched for many years. Jerry was well known throughout the community as an all-around cowboy, as well as a musician and square dance caller.
Jerry loved the outdoors. He and his sons enjoyed many successful hunting adventures. His greatest passion next to music was working with horses and cattle. A little known fact was that he enjoyed writing poetry and was published in the Central Oregonian. After retiring from ranching he worked 10 years for Les Schwab in Prineville.
He is survived by his twins; Donald Hereford of Woodland, Wash., and Donna Clayton of West Linn, Ore., several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Joseph, and by his second wife, Hazel.
A graveside service has been held. Charlie Hughbanks officiated.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Prineville Funeral Home.
