The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Richard ("Rich") Wayne Webber passed away May 15, 2016 at home. He was 77 years young.

Born to John Henry (Randolph) and Iris Webber in Walla Walla Washington, he was the youngest of ten children. During his youth, Rich attended Waitsburg schools and participated in school sports, including football and baseball. He graduated from Waitsburg High School in 1958.

He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1958 and remained on active duty until 1965.

Richard married his high school sweetheart, Vera Jones Webber, May 11, 1956 and they had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

In his younger years, he worked for area farmers before beginning his sawmill career. He was a certified grader of dimensional lumber for many years and retired from Louisiana Pacific.

Before his retirement he returned to school and earned an Associate Degree in Auto Mechanics, in 1998, from Walla Walla Community College. Richard was also a lifetime member of the Lyons Club, holding several offices, including president and zone chairman.

An avid outdoorsman, Richard loved all fishing and hunting, as well spending time at various lakes with his boat. He also enjoyed bowling and horse racing. He was known as a "Jack of all trades" by those who loved him and was an excellent provider.

Richard was very involved in his children's and grandchildren's lives, coaching their baseball and soccer teams, and was a Boy Scout Den father as well. He and his wife were huge fans of high school sports and never missed one of their son's or grandchildren's games.

Rich and Vera lived in Waitsburg Washington until 2000 when they moved to Colville Washington after their retirement.

Richard is survived by his wife Vera, a son David (Joy) Webber of Walla Walla, a daughter Debbie (Mickey) Reed of Colville, a brother Cecil Webber, a sister Janis Wills, 7 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 infant sons Richard Webber II and Donald Webber; 2 brothers Bob and Hubert Webber; 3 sisters Kay Yagger, Ethel Wills and Thelma Webber and 2 infant siblings.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.