Central Oregonian

Dick Chambers

Dick Chambers, 88, passed away at Pioneer Memorial Hospital on Jan. 26, 2012, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. A graveside service will be held Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Juniper Haven Cemetery in Prineville.

Dick was born Aug. 31, 1923 to Walter H. and Cora Belle (Dunn) Chambers, in Boville, Idaho. As a young boy Dick grew up in the Silvercreek Valley (Sun Tex) near Burns, Ore. – a place he dearly loved and fondly referred to as home. He also grew up near Chiloquin, Ore. and spent summers on his grandfather’s farm near Chehalis, Wash. Dick entered the Army in November of 1942. He was in the 11th Airborne Division and volunteered as a paratrooper. He took great pride in serving his country and always referred to the time he spent in the service as a privilege not as a duty.

It was there he would meet a beautiful, young, southern lady by the name of Frances Hendrix. They would become man and wife on Oct. 30, 1943 in Charlotte, N.C. They would live their lives together for 53 years until her passing in 1996. After the service, Dick began a career in the Timber Industry that would last several decades. He drove log truck for Ochoco Logging, Russell Smith and C and K Logging to name a few. He then worked a few short years as a car salesman for Rice Motors in Prineville, where he earned top salesman of the year. He then went to work for the Crook County Road Department until his retirement, where he was fondly known as Gramps.

Dick greatly enjoyed being in the outdoors. In his younger years, he loved riding horses and motorcycles. He also loved hunting, fishing and camping. Dick loved going for drives to look at the country side, whether it was a barren desert or a forest of trees, he saw beauty in it all. Later in life it became a weekly event that he and his son would share and enjoy together. Dick was a life member of the First Baptist Church of Prineville.

Dick is survived by his companion of more than 11 years, Rita Oromonde; daughter, JoAnn Lewis of Prineville; son, Monte (Becky) Chambers of Prineville; daughter, Terrie (Glenn) Hollis of Prineville; grandchildren, Steve Stewart, David Chambers, Tera Adamson, Chris Hollis, Theresa Asher, and a deceased granddaughter, LeAnne Hollis. He also had 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Contributions can be made to Pioneer Memorial Hospice, 1201 NE Elm St. Prineville, OR 97754.

Whispering Pines Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.