Austin H. Locke

July 6, 1923 September 17, 2014 Resided in Stayton, Oregon Stayton – Austin “Hugh” Locke was born in Marion, Oregon to Austin Calvin and Nona Locke. His ancestors were some of the earliest settlers to the Willamette Valley via wagon train on the Oregon Trail. He grew up in Buena Vista and Silverton, graduating from Silverton High School in 1942. Austin married Asella “Sally” on April 25, 1945 in Salem and together they raised 5 children. They moved to Grand Ronde in 1954, but resided most of their life in Salem. Austin served in the Pacific Theater of WWII as a staff Sergeant with the Marine Air Corps on Midway Island. He worked many years for the Oregon State Highway Department. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator, including his own logging and other wood products businesses. He also helped with design and did most of the land clearing for Elkhorn Valley Golf Course. Austin spent the last few years as caretaker of his grand-niece and nephew’s farm, “Doerfler Farms”. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working outdoors. Austin greeted everyone with a great smile which will be missed by all. He kept Ducks and Beaver shirts in his closet to keep his “House Divided” children happy when they visited. Austin was preceded in death by his wife, Asella ”Sally” and sons Don and Monte. he will be greatly missed by his children, Gene (Cathi) Locke of Salem, Nancy (Claude “JR”) Cobb of Scio, and Keith (Kathy) Locke of St. Helens; “adopted daughter” Amy Doerfler Phelan; daughter-in-law Michelle Locke; grandchildren Troy, Tracy, Dawn, Sean, Kyle, Dustin, Meagan, Sterling, and Kristin; step granddaughters Amanda and Sara; 13 grandchildren; and siblings James Sr., George, Winona Steckley, and Harold. Contributions can be made to Willamette Valley Hospice or charity of choice. Memorial service Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 P.M. at St. Boniface Catholic Church and Cemetery in Sublimity, Oregon. Remembrance lunch following in rectory basement. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, OR.