Woody Schamel

Woody Schamel

Woody Schamel, 69, of Brookings passed away Jan. 27, 2010, at his home.

A celebration of Woody’s life was held at Elks Lodge  1934, in Brookings.

Woody was born July 8, 1940, in Indianapolis, to Woodrow and Alta (Wright) Schamel.

He grew up there until he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1957. He served four years’ active duty, and was honorably discharged at the rank of lance cpl. in 1961. He then served a four-year term in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Woody married Linda Haynes June 2, 1961, at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

They moved to California where Woody began working as a lineman for Pacific Telephone and later at Los Angeles Water and Power before going to work at Ram Construction. During his 10 years there Woody earned his Administration of Justice credentials to become an Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff where he worked with the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team. In 1975, he accepted a resident deputy position with the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Tulelake, Calif., Post. He was employed there eight years before transferring to their headquarters in Yreka, Calif. Woody retired in 1993 having earned recognition as Peace Officer of the Year, Deputy of the Year, the Governor’s Award and numerous citations of merit.

Following retirement from the sheriff’s office, he became a private investigator doing civil work throughout California. He mainly focused on elder abuse cases.

In 2004, Woody and Linda moved to Brookings. Woody was active in the Retired Badges, the Marine Corps League and Elks Lodge 1934. 

He loved to ride motorcycles and was a member of the Gunfighters Motorcycle Club – a national group of law enforcement riders. He always had a great smile and loved to make everyone laugh with his stories. Woody loved America, the PBR Rodeo, Harley Davidson motorcycles, the U.S. Marine Corps and law enforcement.

He leaves behind Linda,  his wife of 48 years, of Brookings; sons Duke Wayne Schamel and his wife Mitzie of Colorado, Kirk Wayne Schamel and his wife Nora Jane of Colorado. Also surviving are four grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by brothers Gary and Ted Schamel; sister Sandy Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Corps League Detachment 578, 6754 Jasmine Court, Brookings, OR 97415, or   Brookings Elks Lodge 1934, 800 Elk Ave., Brookings, OR 97415.

Condolences may be expressed online at http:// www.redwoodmemorial.net.

Submitted by Redwood Memorial Chapel.