Richard LaVon Baggerly, known to many as Dick, died at home on Nov. 4, 2026 at the age of 96.
Richard’s story began on April 30, 1930 in Nampa, Idaho, where he was born to Dean and Frances Baggerly. He graduated from Baker High School in 1948. As a member of FFA, he built quite the show history, and his love for livestock and the land lasted the rest of his life. In June 1950, he married the love of his life, Bonnie. They were married for nearly 73 years and built a big, busy family together.
Richard was a man of many trades. He began as a logger in Keating Valley, then cowboyed for the Philips Ranch. He spent 30 years as an Oregon state brand inspector. Most people would have stopped there, but Richard wasn’t most people. After he retired, he started a second career at the Mule Shoe Ranch in Echo, doing what he loved most: cowboying, ranching and farming. He finally retired for good in 2020 at the ripe age of 90.
Richard was one of the last of a dying breed. He was at his best on top of a horse or behind the wheel of a tractor. In his downtime, he’d rope his kids’ feet as they ran past. He also worked with his drill team, teaching his horses to square dance, and when that wasn’t enough, he spent his weekends team roping. He loved fishing, camping and his cassette tapes, especially cowboy poetry. His family will never forget hearing those verses play.
Richard is survived by his children, Donna (John) Bowman, Patti Wynn, Barbara (John) DuBois, Jim Baggerly, Kathy Reed, Carol Baggerly, Mary Round and Denise Sallee. He also leaves more than 20 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great-grandchildren, along with their spouses.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 73 years, Bonnie, who died in February 2023; his parents, Dean and Frances Baggerly; his sister, Evelyn Baggerly; his brothers, Don and Gaylord Baggerly; and his great-granddaughter, Shay Baggerly.
After more than three years apart, Richard and Bonnie are together again.
A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026 at Burns Mortuary in Hermiston.
A graveside service at Echo Cemetery will follow, and a gathering will take place afterward at the Echo Masonic Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a local charity.
