Dick Wilson, a former Drewsey and Harney County resident, passed away on Feb. 16, 2025, in St. Alphonsus Hospital in Ontario. 

Dick Franklin Wilson was born to Bessie Delia McKeen and Eston Elwood (Dick) Wilson on May 6, 1953, in Ontario. He was an only child and spent his childhood years in areas near Drewsey, Harper, and Vale. Dick’s dad passed away in 1966, when Dick was only 13 years old. He spent a considerable amount of time living with his Aunt Alice Clark who lived near Drewsey. 

Dick attended elementary schools at Harper, Vale, Drewsey and Pine Creek, and graduated from Crane Union High School in 1972. Following graduation, he worked for various ranches all over Oregon. 

In 1979, he met the love of his life, Charlette A. Shepherd Schoettle. Dick and Charlette got married in Winnemucca, on Nov. 2, 1979. They had two children together. Mary Alice was born to Dick and Charlette in 1980, and Daniel Eston was born in 1982. They also raised Charlette’s son, Brian Schoettle. They raised their children primarily in Drewsey and Harper. 

He spent his life working on several ranches across eastern Oregon, operating heavy equipment for various contractors, and finally working for and retiring from the Oregon State Highway Department. Following retirement, Dick and Charlette purchased a home in Ontario where they have spent many happy years together. Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a phenomenal camp cook at hunting camp and family reunions, many of which he organized. He also enjoyed working on equipment and always had a project or two going. 

Dick is survived by his wife, Charlette; his daughter, Mary Alice Ray and husband, Jason Ray; his son, Daniel Wilson; his stepson, Brian Schoettle; and grandchildren, Aubrey Ray and Kaden Ray; as well as numerous cousins. 

There will be a Celebration of life for Dick Wilson on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1-5 p.m. PST. It will be held at Cowboy’s Bar & Grill, 830 SE 1st Ave, Ontario, OR. All are invited to come and gather to tell stories and remember the Great Dick Wilson. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. For those of you traveling there are motels close to Cowboy’s. Please RSVP to Mary and Jason Ray so that they can give Cowboy’s an estimated headcount.