William M. “Bill” DeGrofft Jr. of Wallowa passed away in Hermiston on May 11, 2015. He was 91 years of age.

Bill was born Aug. 2, 1923, in Denver, Colo., to William M. DeGrofft, Sr. and Florence L. Dau. He started elementary school in Idaho, and then graduated from Nyssa High School. In Baker City, he met Colleen Howell, and they were married in 1946. In 1948 the DeGrofft families moved to Wallowa where they ranched until 1956. That same year, Bill and Colleen purchased Wallowa Hardware, which they operated for 22 years. After selling the hardware store, Bill sold automobiles for Summit Ford in Enterprise. Bill and Colleen enjoyed a happy retirement, visiting friends and family while traveling all over the United States in their RV.

Bill was drafted into the US Army, and served in 1946 and 1947 with the Occupation Forces in Japan. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Wallowa Methodist Church. He was an active community volunteer, having served as a volunteer fireman and a driver for the Community Connection meal delivery program.

He is survived by his wife Colleen, four daughters, Diane (Bob) Alexander of Redmond, Marilyn (Gary) Hulse of Wallowa, Susan (Don) Daggett of Hermiston, and Nancy (Craig) Creel of Corvallis. His surviving grandchildren Mary, Tricia, Wayne, Andrew, Mitchell and Hana, and six adorable great-grandchildren will miss him. He is also survived by his nephew Dr. Darrel DeGrofft and niece Lynda Kooch. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Hollis DeGrofft and nephew Duane DeGrofft.

Suggested memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, the Wallowa Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Community Connection or a charity of your choice.

Services for Mr. DeGrofft will be held at a later date.