Eugene Parker

La Grande

1924-2012

Eugene Robert Parker, 88, of La Grande, died at a friend’s home in Cove on Wednesday, July 25. Memorial services were on Sunday, July 29 at the Grace Bible Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.

Gene was born March 8, 1924, in Sioux City, Iowa, to his parents Horace Morin and Bessie Sangage Morin. He lived in Orange, Calif., before moving to La Grande, and was employed as a civil engineer in commercial construction until his retirement. Gene married Helen Cherney. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the Navy in the Philippines. Gene enjoyed cooking, gardening, and reading. He enjoyed his association with the senior center and helping serve the patrons.

Surviving are his wife Helen Parker of La Grande, two sons, Greg Parker of California and Mark Parker of Texas; two step children, Kim Schmidt of California and Carrie (Mike) Spalione of Idaho; sister Ardith (Fred) McBride of Nevada, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gene’s memory may be made to the La Grande Senior Center, in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St.,

La Grande OR 97850.

Grant Saunders

Cove

Grant K. Saunders, 87, of Cove, died on Sunday, July 29, at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A full obituary will be published at a later time. Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory will be handling the arrangements.

Evelyn Wilhelm

Imbler

Evelyn Arlene Wilhelm, age 84, of Imbler died Sunday morning at her home. Arrangements will be announced later by Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation and Life Celebration Center.

Laurence Lewin

La Grande

1918-2012

Laurence David Lewin, of La Grande, died at his residence on Thursday, July 26. He was 93 years old. At his request, there will be no services. Loveland Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.

Larry was born Dec. 26, 1918, in Warrenton. His parents were Don David Lewin and Gertrude Frances Richardson Lewin. He spent much of his life in Wenatchee, where he owned and operated the Windmill Restaurant. He also owned orchards in Wenatchee. Larry was also employed during his life as a fireman and salesman. He loved the outdoors and wildlife. He enjoyed walking and reading. Larry served his country as a sergeant in the Air Corps as an instructor gunner. He married Wilma Mae Dobbins who has preceded him in death.

Larry is survived by his sister and her husband, La Don and Jack Evers of La Grande. He is preceded in death by his parents Don and Gertrude Lewin and his wife Wilma Mae Lewin.

Memorial donations in memory of Larry may be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center at their website http://www.fhcrc.org/en/how-to-help.html or mail your donation to PO Box 19024, Seattle WA 98109.

Zelma Fay Heller

Lostine

Zelma Fay Heller, 71, of Lostine, died Tuesday, July 24. Services will be held Friday, Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. at Kloster Funeral Home in Marengo, Iowa. A full obituary will follow later.

James Justice

Enterprise

1917-2012

James “George” Justice died at Alpine House in Joseph on Monday, July 23. Justice was born on Dec. 4, 1917, 12 miles north of Enterprise in Leap Country to James and Amanda Justice. They moved to Enterprise in 1922. He attended the Enterprise School, graduating in 1936.

He served as president of the IGA chapter, student body president and was state FFA president. He played basketball, football and baseball. He attended Oregon State in 1937-38.

After college he married Pearl Weathers Haggerty in 1939. Their son Gerome was born in 1940. That same year, he went to work for the county road department, starting as a truck driver, bridge crew helper and ditch digger. He then advanced to shop mechanic and up to shop foreman.

In 1944, he entered the Army. He was a Sergeant, tec. 4, with the 6th Combat Battalion. He went to basic training at Camp Roberts, Calif., and mortar school. Later he went to Fort Benning, Ga., for advanced mortar school. He served in the Philippines and South Korea. He was discharged in 1946.

Upon returning home, Justice went back to work for the county road department until July 1950, serving the last two years as county road master. Then he bought the Western Gamb Store (later Western Auto) with his partner Ray Johnson. He and Pearl bought Johnson out in 1953. Pearl contracted cancer in 1964 and died in 1967.

In November 1968, Justice married Dorothy Coats. During their time together, he worked a few years as the Wallowa County appraiser, later retiring. Dorothy died in 1993.

Justice like to golf, hunt, fish and go mushrooming with Dorothy. He also served on the Enterprise City Council, as the Exalted Ruler of the Enterprise Elks Lodge, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, life member BPOE #1829, AF-AM life member, and VFW Post 4307 life member.

In later years, he had Beverly Homan as his companion and enjoyed many happy times with her and her family. He lived in Alpine House the last 4 1/2 years of his life.

Survivors include his daughter Lana and husband J.R.; three granddaughters Andrea Nice, Amy Ogden and Tara Justice; five great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests donations to Wallowa County Home Health or the American Cancer Society.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 31, at 11 a.m. at the Community Church in Enterprise with interment and military honors at the Enterprise Cemetery.

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