Neal Edwards, 82, of Halfway, Ore., died on Thursday, March. 1, 2007, at Weiser Hospital in Weiser, Idaho.
Graveside services will be held March 5, 2007, at Pine Haven Cemetery. A celebration of Neal’s life will be held at the Halfway VFW Post 7847 following the services.
Neal was born on Jan. 12, 1925, in Seattle, Wash., to William E. Edwards and Cora Mae Gilbert. He was raised in Star, Kuna and Nampa, Idaho.
Neal joined the Navy June 30, 1944, in Boise, Idaho and went to Boot camp in Farragat, Idaho. He was honorably discharged on April 20, 1946. He married Wyona Rae Bayliss on Sept. 1, 1960. Following his time in the service he worked for the U.S. Forest Service, on all three dams (Oxbow, Brownlee, Hells Canyon), several farmers and ranchers in both Pine and Eagle Valleys, Baker County Road Dept. until taking over the family ranch.
He assisted in the formation of the Halfway Ambulance Service and the Hell’s Canyon Jr. Rodeo. Neal enjoyed going to the forest for firewood with his friend Chuck Smith, hunting, Fishing, Dancing and taking care of the livestock.
Neal is survived by his wife, Wyona; four children, Colleen Rae and husband, Terry Gilmore, Luetta Mae Holtz and friend, Brian Lubberkke, RaeDawn Marie Edwards, William Earl Edwards; one nephew and one niece.
Neal enjoyed his time with his six grandchildren, (Nicole Duncan, Danielle Vallani, Kourtney Duncan, Lorena Gilmore, James Fitzpatrick, Bailey Edwards and one great-grandson (Damian). Neal was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lee; sister, Alda; nephew, Ricky Ridneour.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Halfway/ Oxbow Ambulance Service or the charity of your choice through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, March, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor