Jan. 26, 1937 – April 16, 2023
Richard Wayne Bonebrake of Creswell, beloved husband, Dad, Papa, and Papa Great, passed away on April 16, 2023 at the age of 86.
He was born in Florence, Ore. to Clarence and Esther (Lyne) Bonebrake (both of Kansas) on Jan. 26, 1937. After living in Kansas, Arizona, and California, the family returned to Oregon, where Richard graduated from Creswell High School in 1955 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Barker, in 1956.
Richard joined the U.S. Navy in 1955, serving as an electricians mate in the Submarine Service aboard the USS Rasher and the USS Scamp. Richard left the Navy in 1966 with a final rank of CPO Electricians Chief, and moved back to Creswell, where he and Shirley raised two daughters and a son.
Richard worked as a facilities foreman for the Springfield School District and facilities supervisor for the Bethel School District before retiring in 1997.
Richard was actively involved in his community as a member of the Jaycees, a member of the Creswell School Board from 1969 to 1984, and coaching youth baseball and softball. He was an avid reader and enjoyed volunteering at the library after retiring.
Richard liked to watch sports, especially Gonzaga basketball and anything in which his grandchildren participated. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, and playing cards and games. He loved going out for breakfast on Monday mornings with his fellow “old guys,” several of whom were his friends since childhood.
Richard was predeceased by his sister Rachel Rand, and is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters Susan (Jim) Robinson and Sharon (John) Rexford; son J.R. (Shelly and family) Bonebrake; grandchildren Annie, Becky, and Austin; great-granddaughters Penny and Nora; brother Keith Bonebrake, of Eugene; and sister Kathy Manwill, of Bend.
A memorial open house will be held on May 7 from 2-4 p.m., at the Creswell Library. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Creswell Library in memory of Richard.
