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Obituary for Walter E. Means
Former Central Oregon resident Walter E. Means passed away in Brookings, Oregon on August 6, 2012. He was 87. Walter was born June 25, 1925 in Elma, Wash., one of six children to Roy and Myra “Gladys” (Peugh) Means. The family moved to the Cottage Grove area where Walter grew up. In 1943, Walter was drafted into the US Army where his two years of service would earn him the Purple Heart and a Silver Star. Following an honorable discharge, he began what would be a lifelong career in carpentry and construction. Walter married Ella Elaine Miller in Redmond, Ore. on January 2, 1954. They lived there for several years before moving to Albany. There Walter did construction but also tried his hand at farming. They moved to Portland, and then back to Central Oregon. Walter and Ella spent the last six years living in Sutherlin, Oregon. Walter enjoyed building things with wood. Whether it was buildings, cabinets, rocking horses, old model cars or a small toy for a grandchild, he was at his best in the woodshop. Walter enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening. Walter always considered himself a cowboy from his days of riding the range in the John Day valley. Survivors include his son, Steven Means of Troutdale, Ore., daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jim Crumley of Gold Beach, Ore., grandchildren, Angela Christiansen, Sean and Tony Means, Katie Tucker, Michael Means, Rachel Williams and Monica Bowman, great grandchildren, Cameron and Cailey Christiansen, Chase, Chloe, Olivia, Teressa and Dawson, brothers, Jim and Bob Means. Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Ella, son, Howard “Frank” Means, daughter-in-law, Vicky Means, two sisters and one brother. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Deschutes Memorial Gardens, 63875 Hwy. 97N in Bend. Pastor John Lodwick of the Eastmont Church will officiate. Interment and military honors will follow at Deschutes Memorial Gardens.
