The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

John Gordon Oman, 87, of Puget Island, died November 2, 2020 at Canterbury Inn in Longview.

Gordy was born November 21, 1932 in Clatskanie, Oregon to John Ture and Dora Mae (Laughlin) Oman. The family moved to Puget Island where Gordy attended grade school and later graduated from Wahkiakum High School, in 1951. He joined the Navy Reserves in 1950 and remained until 1964 as a reservist. In 1952 he joined the Navy and became a Seabee, serving in North Africa, Cuba and Newfoundland.

On March 22, 1957 he married Vera Mae Bopp. He worked for Watkins Tractor for many years before starting Oman Digging and Dozing which he owned and operated from 1969 until 2013, when he retired. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking and his work with the AG class at Wahkiakum High School. Gordy was instrumental in the construction of the Wahkiakum High School football field. He was a longtime member of the Puget Island Grange, a life member of VFW Post #5297, a life member of Puget Island Fire Department and served as Fire Chief for many years. He was head of the Puget Island Diking District and a longtime member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

Gordy is survived by his wife Vera Mae, a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Steve Hansen, three grandchildren, John Bryant Oman, Megan Oman and Annika Hansen, sister-in-law, Kathy Oman, daughter-in-law, Lucy Oman, brother-in-law, Ira Bopp and many nieces and nephews as well as his dear friend, Bill Boatman and many friends. He was preceded in death by a son, John “Randy” Oman in 2008, a grandson, Nels Hansen in 2018, two brothers Jim in 1998 and David in 2003.

His family wishes to thank the Canterbury Inn and Hospice for the loving care he received and the kindness of the VFW friends. Gordy was a well loved member of his community and will be missed.

A private burial has taken place at Greenwood Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordy’s name to Puget Island Fire Dept or Community Home Health and Hospice.

Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

- Paid Obituary -