C. Dale Shumway

C. Dale Shumway, 74, of Alicel, died Feb. 28 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. A memorial service will begin at 1:30 p.m. March 26 at Calvary Baptist Church, 2107 Third St. in Baker City. Causal dress is requested by the family.

He was born Aug. 30, 1936, to Charles H. and Letha (Laxson) Shumway in Baker City. He spent his early childhood in Bridgeport then in Baker City.

He married Ava June Wagoner in Baker City on Dec. 1, 1979. The couple lived in Alicel for 30 years.

He was a charter and life member of the Sumpter Valley Railroad. He volunteered 40-plus years with the railroad - he loved steam engines. The railroad was his hobby.

Dale ranched in the Sunnyslope area and worked seasonally for the Oregon State Forestry Department. He spent time with his brother Jim in California and worked with the Long Beach Mounted Police as a groomer for their horses.

He spent nine years in the National Guard gaining the rank of sergeant. Dale helped organize a rural fire group, and he was a board member for the Baker County Alcohol & Drug Board. He also volunteered five years to help the Eagle Cap Excursion train in Union and Wallowa counties.

Dale retired from ODOT in 2001 in La Grande.

He is survived by his wife, Ava June; sons, Terry and Alan; daughter, Larena Van Gaasbeck; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Ann Shumway of Eugene; a brother, Marvin Shumway of Baker City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help defray funeral expenses.

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