Oley Kevan

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  Charles William “Oley” Kevan passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family on February 10, 2026.

     Oley was born on November 2, 1950, to James and Beverly Kevan, and was born and raised on the Camas Prairie — a place that shaped his strong work ethic, deep faith, and lifelong love of the land. From an early age he learned how to work hard and have fun doing it, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

     From a young age, he had a remarkable gift with animals. As a boy, he trained a pet hawk to land on his shoulder and soar overhead while he raced his bicycle around the farm. He cared for his Goose Tassie, a baby porcupine, a badger, numerous fawns, cows, and any horse he could get close to. Moving cattle often meant coming home with a horny toad tucked inside his cowboy shirt — or occasionally a trophy rattlesnake in hand.

     Oley began driving tractors at just six years old. Unfortunately, when a hired hand asked if he knew how to drive one, no one realized he hadn’t yet learned how to stop!

     He met the love of his life, Meg, in the fifth grade. It took her a few more years to come to the same conclusion, but Oley always knew she was the one — he simply had to convince her.

     After high school, Oley went straight to work on the family farm. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Germany. The war was called off while he was en route to Vietnam — something he always felt was thanks to a guardian angel watching over him. Shortly after returning home, he survived a devastating car accident that nearly claimed his life. Once again, he believed divine protection carried him through. During his recovery, Meg reentered his life, helping deepen the bond that would carry them through the next five decades.

     Oley and Meg were married on January 19, 1975, and shared 51 wonderful years together. They raised their family on the farm, teaching them to work hard, ride hard, and enjoy life once the work was done. Oley could fix anything. With duct tape, baling twine, or a welder, he could repair or improve just about any situation — often before anyone else even realized it needed fixing. A master craftsman, he never threw away a scrap piece of metal or wood; you never knew when that small wedge or leftover bolt would come in handy — and often, it did.

     In 2000, Oley and Meg sold the family farm, believing there was more of the world to see. They traveled to places such as Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Arizona, making memories along the way. Above all, they devoted themselves to being exceptional grandparents, rarely missing a ballgame and never passing up the opportunity to teach a grandchild how to use a power tool — or a piece of baling twine.

     After 18 years away, the prairie called them home. They returned to the Camas Prairie, where they enjoyed peaceful mornings with coffee and a beautiful view of Soldier Mountain.

     Quiet by nature, Oley nonetheless had a quick wit and a well-timed comeback for any situation. Everyone who knew him carries a story — of something they built together, something he fixed, or something he taught them. This cowboy was truly one in a million and will be missed by just as many.

     He is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Beverly Kevan and his brothers Jim Kevan & baby Samuel Kevan.     

     He is survived by his wife, Meg; his children Lisa (Mike) Tesnohlidek, Lucus (Marvin) Kevan, and Brianna (Ben) Walter; his grandchildren Ellie, Madison & Austin Tesnohlidek, Jayce, Callen, and Greyson Walter; his sisters Mary (Jim) Kramer, Bevvy (Glenn) Shewmaker, and Connie (Paul) Egbert; his Uncle Bill (Shirley) Simon; and many cousins and dear friends.

     A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Camas County High School Gym in Fairfield.

     Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.

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