Earl Fielden HootenDecember 27, 1918-March 3, 2008 Earl Fielden Hooten, 89, peacefully passed away Monday in his home. He was greatly beloved and respected by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Earl was born in a farm house in Palestine, Texas. At the age of 4, the family moved to Eagle Rock, Calif. As a young man during the Great Depression, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. Always proud to be an American, Earl joined the army in 1941. He bravely fought in the Pacific Theater until 1945. An expert rifleman, he was awarded the Purple Heart and other distinguished medals. In 1948 Earl married his life-long best friend, Ruth Day. Together they built their first house in La Puente, Calif., making this a home for their four children.By trade he was a millwright in the garment business in the Los Angeles area. In the late 1960s he and his wife owned R & H Sportswear. Upon retirement in 1980, they moved to Albany, Oregon. Earl?s interests were politics, world affairs, computers, travel and space exploration. He encouraged his children to be aware of current events and to participate in the political process. Earl is survived by wife Ruth of Albany; son Robert Hooten and wife Susan of California; daughters Bonnie Raymond and husband Mel of Albany, Barbara Hooten of Jefferson, and Beverly Hooten-Schantz and husband Roger of Salem; seven grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many friends and his large, loving family. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 154 Madison St. in Albany. AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).