March 23, 1928 - May 1, 2009

Charles "Chuck" A. Deever, 81, of Albany passed away Friday at his home.

He was born in Chicago, the son of Charles M. and Lois H. (Storm) Deever. In 1937 the family moved to McMinnville, where Chuck completed his education and enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines and later enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. After his service in the Coast Guard, Chuck moved to Portland and worked as a yardman for the railroad; he later began working in radio.

He married Melba Jane White on June 9, 1956, in Portland. They moved to Walla Walla, Wash., to Salem, and then in 1969 to Albany. Chuck began a career in sales and later started Deever Construction. Melba passed away in 1995 and Chuck married Vi Proctor on Feb. 21, 1996, in Phoenix, Ariz.

He enjoyed golf, cards, the Internet, fishing and watching sports, and was an avid OSU Beaver fan.

He is survived by his wife, Vi Deever, of Albany; sons Kelly M. Deever of Albany and Kevin T. Deever of Tigard; daughter Shelley M. Reed of Albany; sister Barbara Geissler of Albany; and grandchildren Devon, Jason, Stephanie and Karianne.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary and Nancy.

A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be sent to Benton Hospice in care of the funeral home (www.aasum-dufour.com).