William Warren Bales

William Warren Bales passed away on Thursday February 26, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on June 13, 1928, in Ellington, Missouri to William Arthur Bales and Daisy Mae Gallaher Bales. He was the 6th in a family of eight children. His early childhood was spent in Ellington where he graduated from Ellington High School in 1946. Upon completion of school, he embarked on a 69-year career in business.

Immediately after graduating Bill enlisted in the US Army and after completion of Basic Training he was sent to Japan where he served in US Occupation Forces in 1947-48. He left active service in 1948 and returned to Portland, Oregon where his family had relocated while he was in Japan. Almost the day he returned he joined the US National Bank of Oregon, where he worked for the next 42 years. His thoroughly enjoyed banking and his time at the bank was among the most gratifying and happiest experience of his life.

After a brief return to active service at the Presidio in San Francisco during the Korean conflict Bill returned to Portland and resumed his banking career. In 1956 he married Dolores Jean Kolb in Portland, and they set about raising a family as they moved to Newberg, Klamath Falls, and eventually the Salem area as Bill’s career at the bank advanced. Moving to Keizer in 1961 his family grew to include three sons. The family lived in Keizer until 1979 and then relocated to West Salem where Bill remained until he passed.

After his retirement at the bank in 1990 Bill became a financial advisor and worked in the brokerage business in Salem until he finally retired in 2015. Bill had stayed busy outside of work volunteering in various capacities throughout his career. He belonged to the Salem Downtown Lions Club for many years and was a past president of the organization. In the 1980’s and 1990’s he was heavily involved as treasurer of the Salem Self Help Housing Association, which assisted families in acquiring adequate housing as they improved their financial condition. The organization eventually merged with Catholic Charities but in its time assisted dozens of families by providing affordable housing allowing them to establish themselves in the community.

When Bill wasn’t working, he enjoyed the occasional round of golf and liked to read, primarily historical and politically themed books. In his own mind he never really retired, he just stopped working.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 65 years Dolores, and five of his seven siblings. He is survived by his sons Douglas of Salem, Steven of Keizer, and David of Clinton, New York and grandsons Alex, Travis and Samuel, and his sisters Norma Bales and Evelyn Landsburg of Tigard, OR, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will take place at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Home in Salem on Wednesday, March 11 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Salem Hospital. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.