Biography of Thomas H. Crawford

Thomas H. Crawford, born on March 18, 1848, in Arkansas, is a distinguished lawyer and prominent citizen of Union County, Oregon. After studying law under notable judges, he was admitted to the bar in 1876. His legal career included roles as probate judge and service in the military. Crawford has been involved in state politics, being nominated for district attorney and circuit judge. A successful practitioner and orator, he is well-respected in his community, known for his scholarship, civic engagement, and commitment to justice.

Dunbar, Oron L. – Obituary

Oron L. Dunbar, formerly of Joseph, Oregon, passed away from influenza on October 27 in Oregon City. Born 48 years ago in Fairview, he had recently managed a store in Oregon after relocating from California. Previously, he was the manager of the McCully Mercantile company in Joseph. He is survived by his daughter, Lucile, a teacher in Joseph, and his son, Raymond, who is serving in the 65th artillery in France.

Gorbett, Chester E. – Obituary

Chester Everett Gorbett, aged 86, passed away at his home in Hermiston on July 12, 1964. Born on October 13, 1877, in Colton, Oregon, he married Bessie Phillips in 1905. The couple had two sons and three daughters, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gorbett was a longtime resident of Promise before moving to Hermiston in 1959. A member of the Christian Church and the Promise Grange, he had been in declining health prior to his death. Funeral services were held on July 15 in Wallowa.

Racey, Nina L. Deen Mrs. – Obituary

Nina L. Racey, aged 91, of Enterprise, Oregon, passed away at home on April 29, 2000. Born on August 6, 1908, in Boring, Oregon, she was the daughter of Melvil and Dora Deen. Nina married Laurence House, with whom she had a daughter, Wanda. After their divorce, she remarried Alexander Racey and the couple ranched for over 30 years. Following Alexander’s death, Nina moved to Enterprise to live with her granddaughter. She is survived by her sister, four grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Warnock, Robert N.

Robert N. Warnock, a member of a pioneering family in Wallowa County, passed away at his home in Oswego on February 26, 1941. Born in Kansas in 1864, he journeyed west with his family in 1879. Known for running cattle and operating a photograph gallery in Enterprise, he later moved to Oregon, where he successfully engaged in various occupations, including taxi driving. He was married three times and is survived by his third wife, Sadie Kenniston, and three daughters, along with his brother and sister.

Ward, Lois Eileen – Obituary

Lois Eileen Ward Anderson, 28, passed away on October 25 at the Oregon City hospital after a prolonged illness. Born on January 6, 1923, in Portland, she married Richard Anderson in 1946 and lived in Oregon City for the past two and a half years. A member of Atkinson Memorial Congregational Church, she was active in various church and community groups. Funeral services, led by Rev. Earl Rogers, took place on Sunday, with interment in Enterprise cemetery. She is survived by her husband, daughter, and family.

Josi, Robert E. – Obituary

Robert E. Josi, 74, of Wallowa, passed away on June 13 at St. Marys Hospital. Born on October 26, 1931, in Oregon City, he served in the Korean War and worked as a logger and rancher. He was married to Agnes Tsiatsos in 1954 and later to Bonnie Lowe in 1989. A member of the Enterprise Nazarene Church, he enjoyed horseback riding, cattle work, and family gatherings. He is survived by his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and siblings. Memorials may be made to local charities.

Becker, Vernon – Obituary

Vernon Becker, 83, of Enterprise, Oregon, died on January 3 at a West Linn nursing home. Born on September 15, 1921, in Calhoun County, Illinois, he served in the Navy and later resided in Wallowa County for 35 years. Becker contributed to the community through his involvement in Search and Rescue and horse clubs. He is survived by his wife Mary, their daughters, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. A private interment will be held at Redland Cemetery.

Becker, Mary Ann Theresa – Obituary

Mary Ann Theresa Hoffart Becker, 91, passed away on February 20, 2006, in Oregon City. Born January 6, 1915, in Ipswich, South Dakota, she moved to Portland in 1920. After two marriages, she settled with Vernon L. Becker in Enterprise, where they enjoyed farm life and participated in local clubs. An avid gardener, she was known for her beautiful yard. She is survived by two daughters, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Becker was preceded in death by her husband and three of her children. Memorial services are pending.

Gill, George – Obituary

George Gill, 76, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on June 6, 2007. Born in Oregon City and raised in Wallowa County, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before working in the logging industry and for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. A passionate outdoorsman, Gill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and other relatives. Memorial services will take place in Baker City and Minam at later dates.

Courtney, Donel – Obituary

Donel Jig Courtney, aged 79, passed away on October 10, 2005, at his home in Lostine after a long illness. Born on October 21, 1925, in Enterprise, he served in the Marines during World War II before returning home to ranch and later work for the Post Office. He retired with his companion, Mary White, to enjoy the Lostine River area. Mr. Courtney is survived by his children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, with memorial services scheduled for November 12.

Schriver, Mae Roop – Obituary

Mae Roop Schriver, 95, passed away on February 8, 2008, in Milwaukie, Oregon. Born on June 28, 1912, in Wallowa, she graduated from Wallowa High School and the University of Oregon School of Nursing. Mae married Don Schriver in 1938 and worked as a registered nurse in La Grande and Portland. She was preceded in death by her husband and four siblings and is survived by her daughter, Susan, and several nieces and nephews.

Dalton, James – Obituary

James “Jim” Dalton, approximately 69 years old, was a prominent figure in North Powder, Oregon, where he settled in 1883. He prospered in business, owning a ranch near the Old Oregon Trail with established water rights. He married Cora E. Mitchel, who died in 1904, and later wed Rose Springer, who died alongside him. Survived by his son Wylie and several siblings, Dalton’s funeral will take place in Baker, featuring services by local organizations.

Gray, Ernest Merrill – Obituary

Ernest M. Gray, 84, formerly of Union County, passed away in Oregon City on Thursday. Born on March 18, 1903, in Lower Cove, he married Nellie Lemon in 1921. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, sisters, five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and more. He had a brother who predeceased him, and many cousins remain. His funeral is scheduled for Monday at Unger Funeral Chapel in Silverton, with contributions suggested to Peoples Church in Salem.

Kasinger, Lyman Roy – Obituary

Lyman Roy Kasinger passed away on Sunday due to a heart attack at his home in Oregon City. Originally from Millersville, MO, he lived in Imbler and La Grande for several years. He is survived by his daughter Gertrude Persyn, three grandchildren, and several siblings across California, Washington, and Oregon. His funeral service took place in Oregon City. Kasinger’s contributions to his community and family will be remembered by those he left behind.

Wilkinson, Merritt – Obituary

Merritt Wilkinson, brother of Andrew Wilkinson, passed away in Central Point, Oregon, earlier this week. His death, anticipated by Andrew, led to interment in Central Point. This notification is part of the Obituaries and Other Vital Records of Union County, Oregon, compiled by Clara Cline Lee and reproduced by Walter M. Pierce Library in 1972.

Zurlinden, Marie J. – Obituary

Marie J. Zurlinden, aged 67, passed away on June 23, 1954, at an Oregon City hospital after a prolonged illness. A lifelong Oregon resident, she had lived in Gladstone for 18 years. Born on April 29, 1887, in North Powder, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church and the Women’s Auxiliary of the DAV Chapter 4. She is survived by her husband John, two sons, two sisters, and three grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for June 28, 1954.

Levy, Adolph – Obituary

Adolph Levy passed away at The Good Samaritan hospital in Portland on Saturday morning. His funeral, attended by many friends, was held Sunday afternoon at his brother Ludwig’s residence and included Masonic rites at Ahavi Sholem cemetery. A prominent figure in Oregon’s mercantile scene since its early days, Mr. Levy moved to Union in 1878 and served on the city council. He is survived by his widow and eight children, leaving a significant impact on the community.

Ball, Margaret Ann Carroll – Obituary

Margaret Ann Carroll Ball, 80, of La Grande, passed away on July 2. A funeral service will be held on July 6 at the First Baptist Church, followed by graveside services at Grandview Cemetery. Born in 1926 in Mississippi, she married Herb Carroll in 1946 and moved to La Grande in 1959. An active church member, she served as a deaconess and sang in the choir. After her husband’s passing, she traveled extensively and later married Braden Ball. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Hecht, Jean – Obituary

Jean Hecht, 86, of Wilsonville and formerly of La Grande, passed away on April 11. Born on April 20, 1920, she graduated from La Grande High School and earned an English degree from the University of Oregon. A Navy veteran, she married Irwin Hecht while stationed in New Jersey. An active community member, she enjoyed bridge, was involved with PEO, and served at First Presbyterian Church in Deerfield, Illinois. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, two grandchildren, and a sister.