Everett John Koontz

Salem, Oregon - Everett John Koontz was born on January 16, 1940, to Everett and Marie Koontz of South Bend, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University, where he earned five different degrees in five years, including multiple bachelor's degrees and a master's degree. Everett served in the United States Army and Army Reserves, from 1959 to 1965, and was stationed in Korea to contribute to post-war stability and peacetime efforts following the Korean War; he also served time in Japan. He was a tank gunner and recognized as an expert marksman with multiple awards. While serving in the Army, Everett met and became close friends with Richard ‘Duane’ Yohe. Everett and Duane embarked on many cave adventures together, documenting caves in Alabama and various states. Duane would eventually meet Everett’s sister, Louise; Duane and Louise eventually married. Louise then introduced Everett to the love of his life, Damaris ‘Dee’ Ann Bales, who preceded him in death on December 7, 2004.

Everett and Dee married on August 20, 1967, in Richmond, Indiana. They lived in Indiana and Missouri for the following nine years, where Everett worked in education. They moved to Salem, Oregon, where Everett advanced his career in education at Chemeketa Community College, serving for 18 years. Everett taught media production and managed productions for the college, including creating slides (shooting, developing, and mounting), audio recording, and video studio production, including closed circuit production. Everett started working with the first Apple computers and remained loyal to the brand. Everett’s love of photography led him to photograph the 1979 solar eclipse which he gifted to National Geographic; in return, National Geographic flew him and Dee by helicopter in order for Everett to photograph Mount St. Helens during its eruption.

Everett was a photographer, artist, and well-regarded wood carver. Carving was the pursuit Everett loved the most. Everett began carving in the late 1970s and acted as a mentor, teacher, and pillar to local carving clubs, including the Oregon’s Capital Woodcarvers Club and the Coastal Carvers. He carved ducks, figurines, Santa Clauses, spoons, and various other items. Everett joined the team of carvers for the Salem Riverfront Carousel soon after the dream of a carousel for Salem was conceived in 1996. He and Dee sponsored one of the carousel horses, The Woodland’s Crusader. Everett contributed more than 17,000 hours of his time over the past 29 years. He literally helped shape the Salem Riverfront Carousel to what it is today and left behind an incredible legacy that will last for generations to come. In 2018, Everett was recognized for his efforts in improving the city and community with the prestigious Salem Spirit Award. He also established the Oregon Wood Carvers Rendezvous in Silverton, Oregon, bringing carvers from all over the Pacific Northwest together annually. Additionally, he contributed carved figures for the Mt. Angel Glockenspiel and individually carved a statue of Prior Adelhelm Odermatt, the founder of Mount Angel Abbey.

Over the years, Everett and Dee sponsored 22 foreign exchange students from Japan. Everett was also an active, longstanding member and volunteer serving St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where both he and Dee served together; he continued his service there for the last 20+ years.

Everett went home to be with the Lord and rejoin his wife, Dee, in heaven on February 17, 2026. Everett is survived by his sister-in-law, Becky Daum; her daughter, Katrina, and husband, Corey; son, Alex Daum, wife, Kristi, and their children, Dawson, Breeanna, and Colton; his niece, Brandy Taylor, husband, Mark, and their children, Kimberly, Zachary, and Daniel; his nephew, Eric Yohe, his wife, Kristen, and their son, Jack; and his nephew, Mark Yohe, who helped care for Everett the last several years, and his wife, Kelley. He is also survived by many close friends from the carving, carousel, and church communities who provided friendship and support through the years and became his local family here in Salem.

Come honor and celebrate Everett’s life on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Salem. Join us for a celebration at the Salem Riverfront Carousel from 3:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.; refreshments will be provided. Military honors will be rendered at 3:30 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Everett Koontz’s name to the Salem Riverfront Carousel, 101 Front St. N.E., Salem, OR 97301, or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 790 Marion St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.