Obituaries in Eugene, Oregon

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William W. Carroll

April 19, 1930 – November 13, 2025

Our Father, William (Bill) W. Carroll was born in Slaton, TX to Ethel Maude and Isaac Edward Carroll. Dad was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his six children, Meri (Cathy) Mouwdy, William (Bill), Steve, Kelly, Vince, Kevin, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Dad lived in Texas during his childhood and was a proud Texan. His family later moved to Southern California where he completed high school. Dad initially worked as a watchmaker before joining the US Marines, a commitment he took great pride in throughout his life, often wearing a Marine ball cap in his later years. After serving in the Marines, he transitioned to being a taxi driver and then became a machinist, working at numerous machine shops. He machined parts for aerospace companies and contributed to the Apollo Space Program.

In 1971, Dad moved to Eugene, Oregon, where he purchased the Candy and Corn Shop on Willamette. He later acquired Oswalt’s Fish and Chips on 29th Street, Captain John’s on Willamette, and eventually owned Luminaries Mexican Restaurant on Willamette. After selling his last business, Dad continued to work at various local businesses in Eugene before retiring in his 70s.

Dad was known as a hard worker and a good businessman. His customers were always greeted with his smile and joking personality. He provided well for his family, even during the toughest times.

Dad had a passion for games like chess, cribbage, and cards, and he was a serious player who disliked losing. He also enjoyed bowling and participated in bowling leagues throughout the years. He was always ready to go bowling and had bowled just a few weeks before he passed at the age of 95.

Dad was strong, stubborn, generous, caring, and loving. He cherished his family and made it a point to visit as often as possible, always offering help to anyone in need.

Despite developing dementia, Dad insisted on living independently in his home and continued to handle household chores into his 90s. He remained at home until he became ill just days before his passing at the hospital.

We all thank you, Dad, for giving us our lives and teaching us to be responsible adults. You will forever live in the hearts of those you touched. See you in heaven. We love you!

Christopher A. Prescott

1945 - 2025

Christopher Prescott, a kind friend and neighbor, cousin, and beloved husband of Carolyn Ruth Prescott, passed away in Vancouver, Washington, on September 18, 2025, after a brief illness. Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, he was the son of Robert Prescott and Eleanor Gale. Chris was 80 years old and was predeceased by his only sibling, elder brother Duncan. A proud graduate of the University of Oregon and an enthusiastic fan of the Ducks, Chris also earned a law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School, becoming licensed to practice in 1977. Having grown up in a charming 1920s farmhouse, his enduring interests lay in pre-1930s architecture and history. Between classes, Chris developed his skills by renovating historic houses, which led to a successful career in real estate development focused on the restoration of historic buildings. With a keen eye for architectural detail, he particularly relished the renovation of beautiful old homes and brick apartment buildings in and around the Portland area, successfully placing six of them on the National Register of Historic Places. The pride of Chris’s life were the two stunning homes he brought to life, incorporating the best features of building design, light, and space that he admired throughout his career. His Corbett, Oregon home, which overlooks the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, mirrored many design elements of Timberline Lodge—a favorite destination of his from years spent skiing Mt. Hood and later enjoying fine meals and a glass of scotch. This remarkable Arts and Crafts lodge-style home, featuring views of Mt. Adams, welcomed friends and his Canadian cousins alike, and was showcased in the fall 1999 edition of the architectural magazine Oregon Home. After relocating to Washington state, he crafted what became his final residence in Vancouver, a cozier home than his Corbett property, yet sharing many of the same American Craftsman features that friends who knew both homes would note as strikingly similar. In 2007, Chris met Carolyn Stadter, the love of his life, and they were married the following year. Together, the Prescotts moved to her home in Nordland, Washington, on Marrowstone Island in the Puget Sound. There, the newlyweds formed lasting friendships within a local walking group, spending many joyful hours in conversation over the years—not only walking but also dedicating time to shared interests in supporting the community through the Marrowstone Island Community Association, the Friends of Fort Flagler, and the Jefferson County Historical Society in Port Townsend. From their beachside location overlooking the wildlife of Puget Sound, Chris and Carolyn cherished fostering friendships and welcoming Carolyn’s daughter, Kristin, her husband Armin, and grandchildren Jonas and Stella for traditional holiday celebrations and family visits. Chris will be fondly remembered for his passion for rock-and-roll music and his boundless affection for his beloved cats. He was a genuinely kind man with a generous heart, remarkable energy, and immense talent. Earlier this year, he was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn, and is survived by extended family in Michigan, Washington, Canada, and England. Chris is interred at Rest-Haven Memorial Park in Eugene, Oregon.

March 14, 1944 - August 19, 2025

Paul Dean Sawyer, 81, of Port Angeles, Washington, passed away on August 19, 2025, at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Warren and Margarette Sawyer on March 14, 1944. Known for his excellent business acumen, Paul worked part-time at the local newspaper during high school and was actively involved in the Future Business Leaders of America. While attending college, he managed a canteen in his dormitory. Paul graduated from Oregon State University in June 1967 with a degree in Engineering, specializing in Production Technology. He married Melinda Louise Shultis on July 2, 1966, and was dedicated to providing for his family. Throughout his career, Paul utilized his degree in various roles, including positions at ALCOA in Vancouver, WA, Martin Marietta in The Dalles, OR, Peninsula Plywood as a Resident Engineer in Port Angeles, WA, The Goodyear-Nelson Hardwood Lumber Company in Sedro-Woolley, WA, Ediz Hook Services as General Manager in Port Angeles, WA, and Nippon Paper Industries in Port Angeles, WA. Outside of work, Paul enjoyed fishing and hiking with his family. He was actively involved in the local Boy Scout troop during his sons' childhoods. A talented craftsman, he undertook a complete renovation of their residence over 47 years, handling most of the work himself, including a unique cut glass project for the front doors. Paul also taught computer classes at the Port Angeles Senior Center. In later years, he could often be found at the Shipley Center in Sequim, playing pinochle, mahjong, or bingo, or trading in another car at the dealership. He is survived by his sister Sharon White (Gary), his wife Melinda, children Allen Sawyer, Tony Sawyer (Heidi), and Jeannine Maxwell (Adam), along with his six grandchildren. Paul will be remembered for his financial savvy, sense of humor, and patience. He will be dearly missed. His love for family was evident, and in his later years, he repented of his sins and expressed a desire to follow Jesus. We rejoice that he is now truly home. He is interred at Resthaven Memorial Park in Eugene, OR.

Christopher Lee Choate was born on November 10, 2003, in Eugene, OR, to parents Gregory and Patricia Choate. As the youngest of three children, Chris had a vibrant and artistic childhood, creating amazing artwork that included hundreds of drawings that impressed everyone around him. He loved to paint and was particularly fond of transforming materials from the recycle bin into creative projects. 

In addition to his artistic talents, Chris was also deeply involved in sports. He played soccer and basketball, excelling in both due to his height, which made him the tallest player on the team. His athleticism was evident when he scored a remarkable goal in soccer from the far end of the field, much to the delight of his family who enjoyed cheering him on. 

At the age of nine, Chris's family relocated to Bend. Although he adapted quickly and made new friends, he always held a special place in his heart for his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Eugene, and he missed the rainy climate there. 

As he grew older, Chris developed a passion for music. He had an extensive music collection, preferring the tactile experience of CDs, vinyl, and cassettes over digital formats. At 14, he received his first guitar and quickly taught himself to play, later taking up the drums as well. Chris enjoyed collaborating with friends and recorded several songs with the dream of releasing an album, showing his potential as a professional musician. 

Chris was known for his big heart and his loyalty to friends, always ready to defend those he cared about. He worked as a line cook at McMenamin’s, where he formed many good friendships. His girlfriend, Ash, was the love of his life, and he found his greatest happiness when he was with her. 

Tragically, Chris left this world on July 16, 2025. His life was far too short, leaving all who knew him wishing for more time. Chris is survived by his parents, Greg and Patty Choate; siblings, Alexa (Joey) Schlesinger and Sara Choate; grandparents, Arthur Choate and Joyce Taylor; his girlfriend, Ash; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is deeply loved and will be sorely missed by everyone. 

A celebration of Chris's life will take place at Rest Haven Cemetery, located at 3900 Willamette Street, Eugene, on Wednesday, July 23, with viewing starting at 1:00 pm and services at 2:00 pm.

Jan 29, 1940 - Oct. 29, 2025

Judith Carolyn (Gray) McDaniel was born on January 24, 1940, to Alexander and Elizabeth Gray in Redmond, Oregon. She had two brothers, Charlie and Dick, who preceded her in death. Judith is survived by her daughter Karen and son-in-law Richard Tunnell, along with her grandchildren Cam and Nate (Emily) Tunnell, her niece Susan (Jim), cousin JoAnn, and sisters-in-law Pat and Mary Lou, along with a wonderful array of nieces and nephews on the McDaniel side of the family.

Judith’s childhood was filled with adventures, as her father was a Naval Commander in the shipyards during WWII. As a child, she lived in various places including Oregon, New York, Virginia, California, and even spent some time in Japan. She often shared stories of sledding and building snow forts in New York, as well as crossing the ocean on a Naval ship to go to Japan.

She attended the Western Pennsylvania School of Nursing and became a registered nurse (R.N.). Judith dedicated her adult life to nursing, working in hospitals, oncology, and home health care, with a specialization in I.V. therapy. She retired at 70, but her identity as a nurse remained strong throughout her life. Nursing was her true passion, and she excelled in it.

Her nursing career led her to meet Don McDaniel, whom she cared for as a patient at the hospital. With Don came his wonderful large family, which embraced Judy wholeheartedly. They married on Thanksgiving in 1966. After Don's passing in 1990, Judith never found anyone who could fill her heart the way he did—he was truly her person. Together, they shared many RV adventures, including camping in Frenchglen, Oregon, where laughter was abundant.

Judith was a devoted mom to Karen and a loving grandma to Cam and Nate. She made every Christmas magical for Karen growing up and continued the tradition for her grandchildren, spoiling them without reservation. Judith never missed a birthday, a softball game, or a band concert. Her love for family was fierce, and she always believed in all of us, even if she occasionally had strong opinions about our choices—those moments will certainly lead to some cherished stories.

After retirement, Judith traveled a bit, visiting New Orleans and England—two destinations on her bucket list. However, she mostly stayed close to home, helping with Cam and Nate, and was there for them every day after school. She cherished watching them grow up and was thrilled when Nate became a teacher, while she actively supported Cam’s singing and acting pursuits.

In her later years, two sweet little dogs, Molly and Zoe, became the brightest spots in her life. They adored her, offering companionship during life's challenges and giving her a reason to keep fighting through tough times. Judith spoiled them, and they loved every moment together.

Our world won’t be the same without Mom in it. However, I believe that she and Dad are finally reunited, perhaps enjoying time in an RV with all of their beloved dogs and sharing laughter once again—there's nothing she desired more.