Douglas C. Humphress Obituary (1938 - 2021)

Douglas C. Humphress, 83, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on December 6, 2021, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City, Oregon. A visitation will be held at Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM, the Baker City Police Department will be standing guard at the visitation. A graveside service with military honors will be held on December 10, 2021, beginning at 1:00 PM at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Baker City, Oregon, with Pastor Tim Fisher of the Elkhorn Baptist Church officiating the service. On September 16, 1938, Douglas was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to Shelby and Florence (Burby) Humphress. He attended DuPont Manual High School and graduated in 1954; after high school, Douglas joined the Air Force and served his country for four years, ranked as an Airman Basic and earning a Good Conduct Medal. After serving in the Air Force, Douglas began working as a Police Officer for the Baker City Police, joining the department in 1965 and retiring in 1997. He spent 25 of those years as the Police Chief. Douglas married Virginia Dell Johnson on September 22, 1961, in Weiser, Idaho, and together, they had three incredible children, Rick, Don, and Melissa. He enjoyed golf, basketball, and coin collecting. Douglas was very involved with the Toys for Tots program and spearheaded the yearly campaign while acting as the Chief of Police; it was an organization that was very near and dear to his heart. He also served as the chapter president of the local lions club for a period of time. Douglas was very active in the community with involvement in many different organizations and activities. At home, he enjoyed a quiet and peaceful life with Virginia and his children. Virginia and Douglas had a great relationship and were married for just over 60 years. Douglas is survived by his wife, Virginia Humphress of Baker City, Oregon; his children Rick Humphress of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Don Humphress of Baker City, Oregon, and Melissa Wallace of Caldwell, Idaho. He is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots or the Baker City Police Department through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.