Richard "Dick" Thomas Pogue

Richard "Dick" Thomas Pogue, 70, of Rufus and formerly of La Grande, died Feb. 12 after battling a short illness. A celebration of life service will begin at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at the community center in Rufus with pastors Bob Reasoner, Bob Stone, Jerry Krewson, Dick Kenney, Lee Brock and Tim Foster officiating. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

He was born May 16, 1939, the youngest of four children to Edward G. and Katie L. (Wise) Pogue in Greenville, Miss. He grew up in Greenville and graduated from high school in 1956. After graduating he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-1960.

Following the Air Force, Dick lived in San Francisco where he attended college and met the love of his life, Linda Weller. In the years to follow Dick and Linda had three children and settled in La Grande where he worked for Reynolds Insurance Agency.

Although Dick sold insurance and worked in the hotel business for 30 years, those who knew him say his heart was always in the ministry. After becoming ordained as a minister, Dick worked for years in the prison ministry and served in Pastoring Churches in the Yakima Valley before taking over the helm at Rufus Baptist Church in Rufus.

Dick had many hobbies and interests, but what stood out as his favorites were fishing and desert camping with friends.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Lee Pogue of Rufus; two sons, Anthony Allen Pogue of Yakima, Wash., and Richard Raynard Pogue of Seattle; daughter, April Lee Pogue of Seattle; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, Selma Pedigo and Arthur Pogue; and numerous nieces, nephews and adopted children.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rufus Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 686, Rufus 97050.

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