North Powder, Oregon
Keith Lorin Simonis, 78, of North Powder, died Sept. 7, 2003, at his home.
His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the North Powder Cemetery. Mr. Jimmy Larkin will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by Co. A3-116th CAV Oregon Army National Guard. Vault interment will be after the service.
Visitations will be today until 7 p.m. at Coles Funeral Home.
Keith was born June 9, 1925, at Baker City, a son of Ernest and Olena Johnson Simonis. He was raised at North Powder and Union, receiving his education in Union.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II on March 11, 1942, at Portland. He achieved the rank of sergeant and was very proud of having served in the Leading Night Fighter Squadron. He was honorably discharged at San Diego on April 2, 1946.
On Sept. 26, 1969, he married Margalee Putman at Winnemucca, Nev. They made their home in North Powder. Keith worked as a heavy equipment operator all over Oregon.
He loved to fish, hunt, and tell a good story. He loved to play his guitar and accordion for his family and friends. He wrote many of his own tunes. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and was a pinochle playing fool.
Keith was a member of the Elks Lodge, the Eagles Lodge and the 701 Union.
Survivors include his wife, Margalee of North Powder; sons, Randy Simonis, Bobby Simonis, and Dusty Simonis and his wife, Nancy; daughters, Vickie Simonis, Linda Burnside and her husband, Wayne, Suzie Travis and her husband, Ted, Jeanna Valencia, and Kim Larkins and her husband, Chris; stepchildren, Danny and Carla Putman, Mark Putman, and Shawn Schisler; brother, Elvin Simonis; 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Vernon Simonis.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pathway Hospice, 1904 Resort St., Baker City, OR 97814, or in care of Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon September 12, 2003
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor