Dec. 21, 1928 - June 2, 2015

Richard "Dick" E. Pharis, 86, of Albany died on Tuesday, June 2, 2015.

Richard was born in Albany to Ben H. and Janet A. (Elder) Pharis. A lifelong resident of Albany, he graduated from Albany High School in 1947.

After high school, Dick joined the military and served honorably in the 224th Regiment, 40th Division, in the Korean War, from 1952 to 1952. After his time in the service, Dick started his family when he married Betty Jean Githens on May 23, 1953, in Albany. They were married 44 years, until her death in 1997. Dick married Lois D. McDonald on July 31, 1999.

An avid sportsman through the years, Dick enjoyed chukar hunting at Steens Mountain, fishing, and racing boats and motorcycles. Upon obtaining his pilot's license, he enjoyed spending time flying his Cessna airplane for recreation. He was a prominent member of the Albany Gun Club for many years, during which time he became an accomplished trap shooter and a shotshell reloading enthusiast.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jean Pharis; and his sister Martha Anne Warnke.

Dick is survived by wife Lois D. Pharis; daughters Karen S. Guthreau and Kathleen A. Huber; son Bradley R. Pharis; daughters Lois Linda Schade and Cathy Ann Braunscheon; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister Janette Robbins.

A private entombment will take place at Willamette Memorial Park in Albany. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be given to the Albany Gun Club or the Boys & Girls Club of Albany.

Online condolences for the family can be posted at www.aasum-dufour.com .