Norman Eugene “Gene” Case, 64, of Baker City, died May 11, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Baker City Christian Church, 2998 Eighth St. Pastor Roger Scovil will officiate.
Visitations will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. There will be a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery.
Gene was born on Aug. 18, 1940, at Salem to Norman and Edith Parsegian Case. When he was 7 the family moved to Heppner. Gene lived there with his parents until his mother’s death in 1995.
He lived two years at “The Gingerbread House” before moving to Baker City in December 1997 to the home of Steve and Linda Tipton. Gene attended school at Heppner until he was 14. He had no occupation and he never married.
Gene enjoyed gospel music, church services, Western movies, parades, rodeos, Sunday drives, ball games, travel, family gatherings, and watching T.V.
John Wayne was his hero. Gene could make one basket after another when shooting hoops and he enjoyed bowling. He was always keenly aware of the weather and loved to watch trains and everyday traffic.
When he was healthy, he walked through the neighborhood acknowledging all he met. He was always sweet in nature and whether you asked him about his food, his day or his health, he always answered “pretty good.”
This gentle man was kind and accepting of everyone, and he enjoyed small children. He leaves behind an extended “foster family” that came to love him very much. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Shirley Burkinbine; and his brother, Kenney . He had no other family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, May 13, 2005
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor