Charles James Stine

Charles James Stine, age 92, was born September 20, 1932, at the family home in La Grande Oregon to parents Virgil Allen and Katherine (Owsley) Stine.  Weighing in at 4 lb 4 oz, Charles was kept warm and protected in the warming oven of the wood stove.  He passed away in New Prague Minnesota on Wednesday March 5, 2025, while residing at the Mala Strana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center following a brief illness.
Charles attended Riveria Elementary School and La Grande High School where his early years centered around playing sports.  Charles excelled in football and after La Grande High School played for the State High School Football Championship losing to Grant High School of Portland, he earned a football scholarship to Eastern Oregon College (EOC) in La Grande Oregon.  After his sophomore year at EOC, he was recognized as an all-conference player for both offense and defense.  One highlight of Charles EOC football career was playing in British Columbia with Princess Elizabeth (future Queen Elizabeth) and Prince Phillip in attendance.  Charles graduated from EOC with a degree in education and went on to teach for a year in The Dalles Oregon then volunteered to join the army in the summer of 1955.  Charles was stationed in Korea as a radio operator, working with Turkish army officers during his tour.  Upon completing his military service, Charles returned to Eastern Oregon rooming with Clarence Drtina, Mark Madigan, and Jack Chapman in Stanfield, after accepting a teaching position at Sunset Elementary.  In 1964 Charles completed his master’s degree from EOC and shortly thereafter assumed the principal position at Sunset Elementary.
Charles met Andrea Westwood, a new High School teacher in Hermiston in August of 1961.  They married August 11, 1962.  The welcomed their two daughters, Natalie in 1964, and Julie in 1966.
Charles served in many volunteer activities including Chairman of the Umatilla County United Way, Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, President of St. John’s Episcopal Church Vestry, Oregon Elementary Principal Association, 18-years including terms as president of the Good Shepherd Community Hospital Board of Trustees, and the American Hospital Association as Oregon Representative.  Charles was honored as the Hermiston Volunteer of the Year in 2002.
Charles is survived by his wife of 62-years Andrea, Daughters Natalie Adams (John), Julie Meyer (Doug), grandchildren Andrew Adams, Eric Adams (Bryce), Nathan Meyer (Haley), and Jake Meyer.  Charles was proceeded in death by his parents Virgil and Katherine, sister Dorothy Botting (Basil), and brother Kermit Stine (Linda).  Charles had many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who he enjoyed visiting and traveling with to Maui, Europe, and New Orleans.  Charles loved his family and cherished seeing his own girls and grandchildren grow up while being an active participant in their lives.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contribution can be made to the following charities: Eastern Oregon University Foundation, Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, or St. John’s Episcopal Church c/o Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, OR 97838

A celebration of life gathering for family and friends will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. the Hermiston Senior Center, Hermiston, Oregon.

Please share memories of Charles with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.

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