Gary Walling

Gary Allen Walling was born July 19, 1940, in Portland, Oregon, to Claude Earl and Margaret Irene (Black) Walling. Oregon was always the family’s home, but they traveled yearly all over Oregon, Washington, and California to harvest crops. Gary was one of ten children and as a young teen he left school and began working the harvest along side his parents. When Gary’s brother Dale backed out on a blind date, Gary stepped in and went out with Evelyn Sue Knight, and the rest is history. Gary and Evelyn had an immediate connection and sparks flew. Gary’s father was very strict, so often he would have to sneak out his window to go hang out with the group of friends he and Evelyn shared. The couple was married in Wiley City, Washington, on October 14, 1961.  Gary and Evelyn continued their migrant lifestyle together even after the birth of their children. When the kids neared school age, the family settled in Marion, Oregon, area where they lived for the next 40 years in the same home. Gary enjoyed taking the family on camping trips to places like Prineville and Diamond Lake where they would fish and play in the water.  Gary was a jolly man who got along with everyone. He was very social and loved to spend time with people, especially his family and grandchildren. Gary loved family gatherings, playing cards, going to the horse and dog races, and any kind of gambling. He was always singing and loved old country music like Conway Twitty and George Jones. Gary was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, his parents, and his siblings Bill Walling, Dale Walling, Ted (Barbara) Walling, Gilbert Walling, and Daniel Richard Walling. He is survived by children Kim (Jeff) Hemelstrand, Jeff (Kim) Walling, and Susie (James) Loop; grandchildren Jessica, Ashley, Jeffrey, Jason, Andrew, and Celeste; great-grandchildren Trinity, Trevor, Eliza, Ethan, Leighlan, Jaxon, Waylon, Kaydence, Linkyn, and Zoey; and siblings Beverly (Jesus) Delgado, Lena (Cotton) Sears, Donny (Lila) Walling, and Henry “Hank” (Vickie) Walling. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, from 4 to 6 pm at the Church of God of Prophecy, 10637 Stayton Rd, Aumsville.