Charles O. Forthman died May 12, 2007, at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Veterans Administration Medical Center in Walla Walla, Wash. He was 85.
Mr. Forthman was born in a log house April 21, 1922, in Flora to William T. and Margery M. Ager Forthman.
In 1940 he went to National Youth Association School in Pendleton for mechanics in heavy equipment and truck driving. In 1943 he attended five weeks of school for heavy equipment and truck driving.
During World War II he was drafted in the Army Air Force and received his honorable discharge in January 1946. Mr. Forthman served in Italy for 18 months as a truck driver then later to the Philippines. He was very proud of his service time and being a veteran.
After his return he worked as a log truck driver, worked in the sawmills, was a farmer, a millwright and a jack-of-all-trades.
He enjoyed elk, deer, grouse and pheasant hunting and fishing and camping with his family. After eight years he finally drew a big horn sheep tag for the Owyhee Unit in 2000.
In 1997 he went to the Flora reunion and became reacquainted with Voneta Brock, whom he met in high school. They have been together since.
In 2003 he moved to Hermiston, Oregon. He was very passionate for and supported the National Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Special Olympics. He became involved with the Olympics when his granddaughter became handicapped.
He is survived by his companion Voneta Brock of Hermiston; two daughters Lynnette Forthman of Milton-Freewater and Carolyn Munden of Lowden, Wash.; son Steve Forthman of Milton-Freewater; sister JoyDean Williams of Ontario; five grandchildren Jay and Todd Munden of Lowden, Wash.; Tiffanie Chaney, Stephanie Forthman and Louis Forthman all of Milton-Freewater; four great-grandchildren Joycelin and Chelsey Munden of Touchet, Wash. and Brandyn and Kayla Cheney of Milton-Freewater.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Vandon Forthman, uncle Dallas Forthman and a nephew, N. Lynn Williams.
Graveside services were held May 16 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ontario.
Contributions can be made to the Special Olympics, National Rifle Association or the V.F.W. #4567 through the Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main St, Milton-Freewater, Oregon.
Wallowa County Chieftain, May 17, 2007
Contributed by Dixie Ricker
