Obituary, Scott Valley

the Obituary of Richard “Oscar” Allen Munson

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Richard “Oscar” Allen Munson
24 Aug 1943 – 22 Oct 2024

Richard Allen “Oscar” Munson was born in Etna, California on August 24, 1943, to Floyd Lambert Munson and Mary Pauline (Olson) Munson. He was the youngest brother of Robert “Pete” and Douglas “Hap”. The family lived in Callahan where the family was involved in the timber and mining industries. Oscar attended Callahan Elementary School and graduated from Etna High School in 1962. The Munson boys were avid outdoorsmen and spent a great deal of time above Callahan on Blue Jay, Mt. Bolivar and the surrounding area.

That summer, Oscar began his career with the US Forest Service as a Firefighter II for the Klamath National Forest. In 1964, after two years fighting fire, Oscar was drafted into the US Army and reported for duty in Oakland on April 14, 1965. Basic Training was completed at Fort Ord, California and Oscar then served in the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of PFC E-4 and was recognized as an Expert (rifle M14), VSM, VCM w/60 device, NDSM and as a firefighter. Oscar was released from active duty on April 13, 1967, and remained in the Army reserves until April 13, 1971.

Upon returning home, Oscar worked in the timber industry for two years before returning to the Forest Service as a Contract Administrator. From 1969 to 2003 Oscar remained with the Forest Service administrating sales on the Klamath National Forest with a short assignment in Wrangle, Alaska.

Oscar never married, but enjoyed his role as uncle to Cliff, Lori, Cindy, Jody, Rob and Dede. He was always ready to cause mischief and make life more exciting. At the office, those he liked the best were constantly recovering from an Oscar prank and as family you might get a new dog, or any number of wild animals dropped off at any time if Oscar was around, so you had to be ready. He was a thoughtful brother-in-law to Carol (Pete) and Joan (Hap).

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Mary and his brother Pete. He is survived by his brother Hap and wife Joan, sister-in law Carol, nieces and nephews Lori, Cindy, Jody, Dede, Cliff and Rob and many great and great -great nieces and nephews.

A full military graveside service will be held on Friday November 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Etna Cemetery.

Memorial Graveside Service

Friday, November 29, 2024

11:00AM

Etna Cemetery
Sawyers Bar Road
Etna, CA 96027

Girdner Funeral Chapel Tribute Book


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