Kay Dabling Call

Kay Dabling Call, 95, died peacefully at home on Monday, August 31, 2020.

Kay was born on March 30, 1925, in Lund, Idaho, the third of four children born to Mona Dabling and Reuben Call. He spent his early years on the family farms in Idaho and was a senior at Homedale High School at the beginning of World War II. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps directly after graduation and served in the Pacific arena as a radio operator on B24 Search and Rescue Squads in Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines, and in Okinawa during the US occupation of Japan.

He returned to Homedale, Idaho and married his sweetheart, Patricia June Burr, on June 4, 1947. He attended and graduated from the College of Idaho and began teaching elementary school. He was a beloved educator – teacher and principal – for the next 35 years, receiving his Master of Education degree from the University of Oregon. He taught elementary school in Homedale, and in 1952 moved to Central Oregon, where he taught in Culver, Madras and Metolius. He was Principal of Metolius Elementary and Buff Elementary until his retirement in 1985.

For 35 years following his retirement, he continued teaching and serving his family, friends, church, and community with his many acts of charity and kindness. He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a good and faithful minister of his Savior's love. He had a beautiful baritone voice, and was often asked to sing at weddings, funerals, and community events. He will be remembered for his love of gardening, and the selfless care he gave to his family and friends in need.

Kay and Patricia had three daughters, Kathy, Susan, and Nancy. Eleven years after the death of Patricia in 1974, Kay married Muriel Tovey McHugh and became Dad to her six children, Terrilee Hancock, Kelly (Bert) Peterson, Michael (Deborah) McHugh, Marty (Mike) Wade, Kevin (Mitzi) McHugh and Collin (Diane) McHugh. He is Grandpa to Susan (Marc) Hutchison's daughters Linda (Devin) Hanson and Julia Hutchison, and to the many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren of his beloved Muriel. His extended family includes dear nieces, nephews, and cousins of several generations.

Kay was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his wife Muriel, his daughters Kathy Call and Nancy Call, his sisters Leda Anderson and Joyce Watkins, and his brother Desmond Call.

Kay's last words were expressions of love for his church congregation, and his family.

Burial will be in Mt. Jefferson Memorial Park, in Madras Oregon. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2020 for family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Mount Jefferson Memorial Park 169 SE 7th Street Madras, Oregon 97741.

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