He was born April 20, 1920 in Spalding, Idaho to Archibald and Minnie (Russell) Gooding. At age 5, the family moved to Grouse Flat (near Troy, Oregon) where he remained until age 19 when he moved to La Grande. He was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in Europe during World War II. Chuck married Charlotte Holloway on July 31st, 1949. They spent most of their years in Hermiston. For 20 years, Chuck drove truck for Mayflower Farms. After leaving Mayflower, he began Empire Builders, working as a general contractor until 1980 and as a finish carpenter and craftsman for the remainder of his years. He ramrodded his last major construction project at age 90 and continued building small projects even into his final months.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Charlotte; daughters Darla (Bob) Taylor of Othello, Wash., Rhonda (Steve) Campbell of Pendleton, and Tammi Williams of Hermiston. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Traci, Thad, Marty, Tygh, Ben, Seth, and Drew, as well as 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings; son Timothy; and grandson, Tyler Campbell.
A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m. at the family’s home at 307 E Jennie Avenue in Hermiston.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
