Clyde V. Brummell, 84, Portland, OR (WWII)

Brummell, Clyde V.

84, 10/26/1925 - 12/06/2009

Proud U.S. Marine of the the greatest generation, Clyde V. Brummell died Dec. 6, 2009, at Emerson House in Portland. Clyde is survived by his wonderful wife of 64 years, Margaret; son, Kevin and wife, Michelle, Portland; grand-children, Bhree Roumagoux and husband, Rob Hensch, Anchorage, Alaska; Shelby Gales, Tigard; and Brian Brummell, Portland; sister, Swan Chatfield, Frankfurt, W.Va.; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Clyde was predeceased by brothers, Reginald and Dalton; and on July 13, 2009, by his daughter, Renda Horn, of Anchorage, Alaska. Clyde Verlon Brummell was born Oct. 26, 1925, to Afton Stevens Brummell and Clyde Brummell in Verden, Okla. In 1941 Clyde, his mother, stepfather, Frank James and family moved to Klamath Falls. Clyde graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the South Pacific and Philippines in World War II. Upon his return to Klamath Falls from the war, Clyde and Margaret Thompson were married in July 1945. A year later their daughter, Renda, was born. Recalled during the Korean conflict, Clyde was based in Santa Ana, Calif., participating in the development of helicopters for military use. While there his son, Kevin, was born. Moving to Portland in 1952, Clyde was employed by the Robert Johnson Construction Company before establishing Brummell Construction in the early 1970s, specializing in residential, commercial and rental properties. Clyde was a supportive member of numerous organizations and civic endeavors including the Sellwood PTA, Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League (SMILE), Fish and Wildlife Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP), the Republican Party, Sellwood Baptist Church, Sellwood Masonic Lodge, Shriners, Lions Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League of Albany, Disabled American Veterans and the Portland Royal Rosarians. Clyde was characterized by his love of family and community. The proof of that love was evidenced by always providing for family, friends and community, his devotion to a work ethic infused with energy, creative ideas and a "can-do" enthusiasm. His skills on the harmonica and banjo provided enjoyment and appreciation at family events and informal gatherings for many years. Clyde Brummell's celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, in River Oaks Foursquare Church in Sellwood at 1666 S.E. Lambert St.

(Note: Clyde was co-founder and first chairman of the VMF-115 Reunion Association. Semper Fidelis.)