Duane Beers

UMATILLA COUNTY Duane Allen Beers, 72, a resident of the Upper Umatilla River, died peacefully in his sleep at elk camp Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Athena-Weston Middle School in Weston.   

Mr. Beers was born Feb. 7, 1938, in Pendleton to Georgia and Freeman Beers. He lived in Ukiah until he was 13 years old, at which time his family moved to Lewiston, Idaho. He later followed his family to Lewiston; however, his heart always remained in Ukiah. He attended high school at Upper Columbian Academy and ultimately earned his bachelors degree in education from Walla Walla College. He also was a veteran. 

He went on to teach sixth grade at Silver Star Elementary in Vancouver, Wash. Economic realities forced his departure from the education field and he moved on to spend many years in the logging and construction industries, including work on the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline. In later years he returned to education as a bus driver, transportation supervisor and school board member for the Athena-Weston school district. 

Mr. Beers is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bo; sons Kyle, Kevin and Chad; two grandchildren; and three stepgrandchildren.

Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook or send condolences at www.burnsmortuary.com.