David Henry Oswald

David Henry Oswald, age 60 of La Grande, died Thursday, September 23, 2004 at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in La Grande.

David Henry Oswald was the only child of Donald and Velva (Cantrel) Oswald. He was born on September 4, 1944 at St. Joseph's Hospital at a cost of $44. He was doted on heavily by his mother. Some even say she baked him a pie every day. Growing up he was active in 4-H and FFA and raised many prize winning Angus beef. He graduated from La Grande High School in 1962. He married Carolyn Christi Hickman on August 12, 1971 and became father to six children. He worked hard to provide for his family and was never satisfied with less than his best. He worked as a carpenter and built his own home on Fruitdale Lane.

He loved the outdoors and spent much time farming wheat, fishing, hunting and cutting wood on Mt. Emily. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he found great meaning and joy in serving his creator and his fellow man. He had many special friends in the congregation and looked forward to meeting them at McDonald's for coffee.

He was a kind, generous and loving husband and father, who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My dear friend.
He is survived by his wife, Chris of La Grande; children and their spouses, Kelly Goodnight and Robert Derichsweiler of Needles, California and their children, Tiffany and Tatiana, Coy and Natalie Goodnight of La Grande and their daughter Tanna, Joel and Jeremy Phifer of Springfield, Oregon and their children Isabella and Ian, Noel and Regina Oswald of Shepard, Montana and their children Tyler and Hailey, and Gene Oswald and Jessika Holm of Creswell, Oregon and their son Keith.

Those who wish may make a contribution in memory of David Oswald to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.