Richard E. DuPuis of Hermiston died on May 31, 2022 in Portland at the age of 81.
He was born on Dec. 19, 1940 in Pendleton to Joseph and Mary Wimmer DuPuis.
Richard was raised in Nolin and later Hermiston, graduating from Hermiston High School in the class of 1959. He worked for Oregon Department of Transportation in Portland and then in Milton-Freewater. Richard married Carolyn Leonard and they had a daughter, Julie, and later divorced. He joined the United States Navy and served as an aircraft mechanic during the Vietnam War. Richard married Lola Coke and they had a son, Joseph. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Hermiston and worked as a mechanic.
Richard would tinker with and could fix anything. He enjoyed hunting, camping, air shows, watching golf, watching auto racing and most of all, spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Julie Schroeder and her husband Mike, Athena; son, Joseph E. DuPuis, Hermiston; brothers, Steve DuPuis and wife Joy, Hermiston, Doug DuPuis, Salem and John DuPuis, Pendleton; grandchildren, Jaime, Kayla, Meghan, Katelin and London; great grandchildren, Emma, Anson and Bennett; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Lola Irene DuPuis; his parents; sister, Lucy Gilbert; and a brother, David DuPuis.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Please share memories of Richard with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
