Island City, Oregon
William Vernon Carpenter, 78, of Island City died Feb. 4 at his home. A graveside service is planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Island City Cemetery.
Mr. Carpenter, known as Vern, was born July 18, 1928, to Thomas and Zoe (Safford) Carpenter in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School in 1946 and received an associate degree from what was then known as Eastern Oregon College. He served with the Army during the Korean War.
On Nov. 20, 1955, he married Laurel “Grace” Miller in Boardman.
He managed Van Petten Lumber Company and later Hoff Lumber Company until his retirement.
Mr. Carpenter was a member of the Elks Lodge and enjoyed hunting and trap shooting. He was a handyman who enjoyed building things.
Survivors include his wife, Grace, of Island City; children and their spouses, Tom and Edna Carpenter of La Grande and Russell and Alayna Carpenter of Myrtle Point; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and other relatives.
Memorials may be made to Grande Ronde Hospital Home Care and Hospice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh Street, La Grande 97850.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending Feb. 10, 2007 – Published: February 10, 2007