Echo Oregon

Obituary of Lester E. Hammack

Lester E. Hammack, 89, of Jamison, passed away on July 13, 1989. Born on June 12, 1900, in Lostine, Oregon, he lived in several towns before settling in Jamison in 1920, where he worked as a rancher and farmer. He married Crystal Cammann in 1924, who passed away in 1978. Active in his community, Hammack served as a Malheur County Commissioner and was involved in various local organizations. He is survived by his daughter, son, four grand-daughters, and nine great-grandchildren.

Biography of Hon. James H. Koontz

James H. Koontz, born in 1830 in Belmont County, Ohio, learned carpentry and moved to Oregon in 1862. Arriving in Umatilla with only seventy-five cents, he established a successful forwarding and commission business, served as postmaster for seventeen years, and expanded with a store and hotel in Echo. Despite a devastating fire in 1886, Koontz continued to thrive, owning extensive land and planning to rebuild his mill. He was married twice and had three children, attributing much of his success to his second wife, Cynthia N. Hyatt.

Knapp, W. T. Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. W.T. Knapp, born Maggie Irene Bridwell on October 19, 1868, in Norborne, Missouri, passed away on January 1, 1939, at St. Anthony hospital in Pendleton following a significant operation. She was a pioneering settler in Wallowa County, marrying William Thomas Knapp in 1887, with whom she had five children. A dedicated member of the Hermiston Townsend Club, Mrs. Knapp is remembered for her ambition and kindness. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many friends. Funeral services were held in Hermiston.

Buchanan, Gary J. – Obituary

Gary J. Buchanan, 34, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on December 13, 1987, in Hermiston. Born on September 25, 1953, he worked on the Mosgrove Ranch after moving to Echo the previous summer. A member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 259, he is survived by his two sons, brothers, sister, grandmother, and extended family. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at Daniels Valley Funeral Chapel, followed by private interment. Donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Homan, Steven Warren – Obituary

Steven Warren Homan, 52, of Echo, Oregon, passed away on April 13, 2008. Born on June 26, 1955, in Enterprise, he held various positions as a police officer across several departments. After moving to Blackfoot, Idaho, and then Echo, he worked as a dispatcher and pursued interests in football, rodeo, and fishing. He is survived by his partner Peggy Ervin, his mother Janet, two sons, a brother, a sister, and three grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on April 26 at the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church.

Hale, Gladys Sarah – Obituary

Gladys Sarah Hale, 93, passed away on November 1, 1993, in Corvallis, Oregon. Born on May 28, 1900, in Lostine, she married Roy Charles Hale in 1920. They lived in Echo and then Hermiston, where Roy owned Hales Tavern. After his death in 1968, Gladys moved to Corvallis in 1985. She was active in local lodges and the Episcopal Church. Gladys is survived by her children, siblings, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Funeral services are arranged by McHenry Funeral Home.

Hale, Roy C. – Obituary

Roy C. Hale, 73, a longtime resident of Hermiston and former postmaster of Echo, passed away at home. Born on August 23, 1892, in St. Paul, Arkansas, he operated Hales Tavern and Sporting Goods until his retirement. Hale was a charter member of the Hermiston Elks Club. He is survived by his wife Gladys, son Charles, daughter Claudine, two brothers, a sister, and six grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are handled by Burns Mortuary, with a notice to appear in the local paper.

Hale, Roy C. – Obituary

Roy C. Hale, 73, former postmaster of Echo, Oregon, passed away at home. Born on August 23, 1893, in St. Paul, Arkansas, he was a resident of Hermiston for 31 years, where he owned Hales Tavern and Sporting Goods before retirement. A charter member of the Hermiston Elks Club, he is survived by his wife Gladys, son Charles, daughter Claudine, two brothers, a sister, and six grandchildren. Burns Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Hale, Gladys Sarah

Gladys Sarah Hale, 93, of Corvallis, passed away on November 1, 1993, at Corvallis Manor. Born on May 28, 1900, in Lostine, she married Roy Charles Hale in 1920. The couple resided in Echo and Hermiston, where he served as postmaster and owned a tavern. After her husband’s death in 1968, she moved to Corvallis. She was active in local lodges and the Episcopal Church. She leaves behind a daughter, a son, siblings, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Mattes Helen Violet Fedler Mrs. – Obituary

Helen Violet Mattes, 87, passed away on January 20, 2003, at St. Elizabeth Health Services in Baker City, Oregon. A funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church, with interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. Born on September 13, 1915, she was a dedicated educator and homemaker, marrying Alfred Mattes in 1940. Active in her community and church, she enjoyed gardening and had many hobbies. She is survived by three children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Biographical Sketch of Samuel I. Lisle

Samuel I. Lisle, born in Ohio in 1843, moved to Oregon with his family, settling on Sauvies Island. Educated in Portland, he pursued mining in the mid-1860s before shifting focus to cattle ranching near Echo, Oregon. Lisle acquired extensive farmland, cultivating it while managing his cattle operations. He has notable experiences related to Native American conflicts during his youth. He was first married in 1865, widowed in 1884, and later married Nancy E. Stansbery, who contributes to their social standing and community engagement.