William C Smallback Jr.

William "Bill" Chester Smallback Jr. Another of the greatest generation has passed. July 12, 1927 - October 16, 2016 William "Bill" Chester Smallback Jr. passed away October 16, 2016 at a local foster home in Medford, Ore. He was born July 12, 1927 in St. Paul, Minn. to William C. Smallback Sr. and Catherine Van Core. In 1928 his father; grandparents, Fred J. Hogan and Mary Ann (Hall) Hogan; and and his uncle, Charles traveled to Hollywood, Calif in a Model T. Bill was raised by his loving grandparents during the Depression. At the age of 16 while attending Hollywood High School he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine. Shortly after completing his training on Santa Catalina Island he was on the high seas en route to the South Pacific carrying troops and supplies during WWII and it was there he encountered a few enemy attacks on his ship. Upon leaving the Merchant Marine, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Barstow, Calif. until his honorable discharge. In 1949 he married Donna Mertz which resulted in an annulment. A daughter, Mary Jo was born July 7, 1949 in Los Angeles, Calif. and placed for adoption. In 1999 Mary Jo and her father were reunited. Bill met the love of his life, Diane C. Scotet on a blind date October 31, 1950; they were married May 26, 1951 in Santa Rosa, Calif. The following year they moved to Santa Rosa where they started their family. Bill worked in several grocery markets in the produce department . He was promoted to manager, then buyer, for the five Park Auto Markets in the '50s. He later purchased his own business, Bill's Quality Produce. After selling his business he went to work for Rickie's Salads as a semi-truck driver until his retirement in 1988. Bill was an avid fisherman. He took his family to many beautiful national parks to enjoy camping and the outdoors which continued into his retirement. Bill and Diane went deep sea fishing in Mexico, striped bass fishing in the San Francisco Bay, and many other interesting locations in the western states. Their 28' travel trailer gave them the comfort of home while seeing the U.S. In 1994 Bill and Diane moved to Medford and continued to enjoy the outdoors, salmon fishing in Brookings, or trout fishing at nearby lakes. After selling their travel trailer, they bought an 18' fishing boat and spent their final fishing days at Lost Creek Lake. Bill was blessed with an infectious smile, a marvelous wit, and a great sense of humor. His love for animals was unparalleled. He loved his family and protected and provided for them until his death. He had two passions, fishing and animals. In his own words, "I am a lover of nature and all her creatures." He will be sorely missed by all of us. His last aged kitty, Milo, 16, will be interred with him. Bill is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 65 years, Diane; his step-mother, Elsie M. Smallback of Goodyear, Ariz.; his daughters, Laurie Schmidt of Cameron, Mont., Linda Wampler (Baer) of Indianapolis, Ind., and Mary Jo Hearn of Albuquerque, N.M.; grandsons, Captain John Baer and his wife, Lauren and Captain Christopher Baer and his wife, Sheena; and great-grandson, Connor Baer. A committal service officiated by Pastor Jim Larsen will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 28, 2016 at Eagle Point National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. Arrangements are in care of Rogue Valley Funeral Alternatives. Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity.