William L. “Bill” Caplinger died on Feb. 12, 2020 at his home in Echo at the age of 75.
He was born on July 8, 1944 in Pendleton to Lowell and Wilhelmina Lois Hedrick Caplinger.
Bill was raised and attended schools in Pendleton, graduating from Pendleton High School in the class of 1962. He then attended Blue Mountain Community College, studying accounting for two years. Bill served in the Oregon National Guard for several years. With his first marriage Bill gained four stepchildren, and in 1979 he married Connie (Coppinger) Thomas and gained two more.
In the early years, Bill drove truck for the Grateful Dead Band and was part owner of Markle Trucking. He worked for Pendleton Grain Growers where he served in many capacities, including grain division manager when he retired. Bill served for 10 years on the Pendleton Round-up Board of Directors. He and Connie enjoyed competing in cutting horse competitions throughout the Northwest. Bill enjoyed riding horses, hunting and his dogs.
He is survived by his brother, Richard (Susan) Caplinger; step-daughters, Kim and Kaye Limbaugh, Kathi Leckrone, Becky Thomas Donaldson and Lisa Thomas Kuhlman; step-son, Kelly Limbaugh; step-grandchildren, Bridget, James and Janelle Donaldson and Olivia and Kate Kuhlman; niece, Shelly Caplinger; nephew, Derek (Carol) Caplinger; and numerous cousins.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Connie and his parents.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Echo Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in Bill’s memory to the American Diabetes Association.
Please share memories of Bill with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
