Dale Keith Cramer

Dale "Sonny" Keith Cramer, 78, of Philomath, died Friday at “His House” Adult Foster Home in Philomath. He was born in Corvallis to Dale and Elnore Cramer of Lobster Valley, OR. Dale attended high school in Alsea, where he played basketball, football and ran track. During the Korean War, Sonny joined the Navy and worked construction as a Sea Bee, stationed in Japan. After completing his service in the Navy he married Jeannette Tipsword on November 11th, 1955. They had two kids and he worked as a timber feller in Alsea and Philomath and later drove a gravel truck. In 1959, Sonny was in a tragic car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He did not let it slow him down. He helped raise his two children and pursued a number of interests including leather work, television repair, gardening, and hunting. He was an active member of the Alsea community for many years. He did lots of volunteer work including ,a small engine repair class in the evenings for teenagers, serving on the school board, and for a very long time volunteered as the 24/7 dispatcher for the Alsea Fire Dept. and EMTs . Sonny moved to Corvallis in the early 1980’s, where he truly mastered the art of gardening. He built his own raised planters so he could reach the plants from his wheelchair and built an automatic irrigation system so he could work smarter rather than harder. His property was covered in beautiful flowers and enough vegetables to feed himself as well as extended family and close friends. His gardens were on the annual Master Gardener Tour for many years. Sonny is preceded in death by his Father, Mother and his brother Jerry. He is survived by his son, Mitch Cramer (Keely); daughter, Wendy Cramer- Vernon (Bryan ); sister Mary Lee Follett (Gene); brother, Mickey Cramer (Dana); sister, Judy Strader (Bob); Brother, Brad Cramer ( Karen ); brother, Paul Cramer (Gretchen); sister in law, Judy Cramer, four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and multiple Nieces and Nephews. Memorial donations in Sonny’s name may be directed to the Alsea Fire Department and EMT’s in care of McHenry Funeral Home 205 NW 5th St., Corvallis, OR 97330. A graveside service is set for 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 27th at Charles A. Hendrix Memorial Gardens also known as Lobster Valley Cemetery in Lobster Valley. A gathering of refreshments and remembrances will follow at the Lobster Valley Community Church.

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Dale Keith Cramer

April 14, 1935 - July 19, 2013