Chester "Duane" Bledsoe

Chester “Duane” Bledsoe was born October 11th 1935 to Chester and Loretta (Beatty) Bledsoe at home near Condon OR. Duane was youngest of 2 children born to Chester and Loretta.

As a young child Duane enjoyed life on a ranch, miles from the nearest town, Butte Creek was a young boy’s dream, hunting, fishing and enjoying life. His family also lived in Kentucky and Duane graduated from high school in London KY.  When Duane was in school at Fossil, OR he learned to play the clarinet. 

In 1956 Duane enlisted into the Army.  He was stationed in southern California.  He worked in the kitchen and then had the opportunity to drive truck for supplies and troops.  At the suggestion of a commander, he auditioned for and joined the 58^th US Army Band. The 58^th US Army Band did live performances, and also radio performances with Radio Stars of the late 1950’s.  Upon discharge from the Army, he returned home to Oregon, then, returned to Kentucky to find and marry his “Southern Belle” Nellie Brock. In Nov. of 1960 Duane and Nellie were married.

Duane and Nellie returned to Oregon and Duane worked on ranches and the Kinzu Mill in the Fossil area. In 1963 they made the move to Prineville, where Duane worked at Clear Pine Moulding. Duane started doing jobs while still at Clear Pine and then it worked into a full time job as he started Bledsoe Excavating and Sanitary Service. Their son Doug was born in 1975. He continued until 2012 and then retired from full time work. Duane hired many local people for his company and he was a good boss. 

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