Wilbur Francis “Bill” Steagall of Pendleton passed away at St. Anthony Medical Center in Pendleton on Nov. 20 of natural causes at the age of 88.
He was born on Feb. 1, 1936 in Heppner to Wilbur and Marie Breshears Steagall.
He was raised in Lexington with four sisters and two brothers. A third brother died in infancy. Following high school in 1954, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the beginning years of the Vietnam War.
Bill met his future bride, Marjorie Ann Meiners, in the summer of 1958 after his discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. They married in Pendleton on June 4, 1960. After many discussions they made their home in Pendleton, where they raised their only child, Waconda (Connie).
Over time, Bill had many occupations. He worked for the Pendleton Grain Growers, he was manager of the Meiners family ranch, he worked for the Comrie Olds and Cadillac dealership in Pendleton, and the Pendleton Street Department. Bill retired after working for the Pendleton Fire department. In his spare time, Bill continued to serve his country by enlisting in the Oregon National Guard, followed later by the Army National Reserves as a tank commander.
Bill had a strong bond with his family, as well as his neighbors and friends. The Steagalls’ house was a revolving door for acquaintances, friends and family. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church congregation, the local Elks, and the VFW. He was a 30-plus-year volunteer for the Pendleton Round-up and Happy Canyon. Bill was an initial member of the Pendleton Drum & Bugle Corp until its disbanding.
Bill always had a strong passion for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Bill liked being busy! He was always fixing things, whether for his family or friends. He and his wife enjoyed roaming in their motorhome to the coast, the mountains of Oregon, Washington, Texas and New Mexico, and even to Alaska. They became serious snowbirds and spent their winters in the sunny lands of Yuma, Arizona.
He is survived by his daughter, Waconda Baker (Randal) and grandson, Duncan Baker; his siblings, Bob Steagall, Deanna Brandhagen, Pat Dougherty, Barbara Leyva (Greg), and Jim Steagall (Loel); as well as many extended family members.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, one brother, and one sister.
In respect of his wishes, Bill was cremated.
A celebration of life will be held in Pendleton at a future date to be determined.
Final interment will be at Skyview Memorial Park in Pendleton.
Please share memories of Bill with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
