Duane Botts Fleet

Duane Botts Fleet, age 89, of La Grande, died Friday, June 11, 2004 at his home. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2004 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Committal and interment will follow at the Island City Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mr. Fleet was born on March 18, 1915, the son of James W. and Eva "Botts" Fleet in Flora, Oregon. On December 7, 1934 he married Delila B. Shelton in Enterprise, Oregon. They moved to the Grande Ronde Valley in 1941 where they farmed and ranched. He was one of the oldest Poll Hereford Breeder in Eastern Oregon. After the death of his wife in 1980 he married Hazel Barton.

His work was his hobby and he looked forward to harvest each year, as well as elk hunting. He was a member of the Cove Masonic Lodge, the Union County Shrine Club and was a life member of Cherry Chapter Order of Eastern Star. He was a member of the Cattleman's Association, the Farm Bureau, the Wheat League, the American Quarter Horse Association and the National Poll Hereford Association. His family was of great importance to him and he rarely missed any family event.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel of La Grande; grandchildren, Doneta Watts of La Grande and Ralph Wilson of Cove; step-grandchildren, Candy McGilvray of Cove, Taffy Reyes of California and Todd Wilson of Cove; six great grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren; brother, Loren and Becky Fleet of Cove; and other relatives and friends.
A daughter, Bethel Darlene Wilson preceded him in death on March 20, 1961.

Those who wish may make contributions to Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, Cancer Research Fund or the charity of one's choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.