Joseph, Wallowa County
Melvin Charles Down, 55, of Island City, died Friday, May 25, in Baker.
Mr. Down was born Aug. 8, 1923 in Joseph to Roy and Ethel Stanford Down. On April 29, 1950 he married Peggy Waddingham in La Grande. In 1969 he moved from Milton-Freewater to La Grande.
He was a World War II veteran and a member of La Grande Eagles Aeri No. 259, La Grande Elks Lodge #433 and the American Legion. He was a logger and former member of the Oregon Log Truckers Association.
Survivors include his wife of Island city: sons, Kenneth, stationed in Hawaii with the Army, and John, La Grande; brother, Eldon, Union; three nieces and other relatives.
Services were Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Daniels Valley Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Ronnie Stricklan of Trinity Baptist Church officiating.
Internment was at Summerville Cemetery.
Source: Wallowa County Chieftain, June 21, 1979 Page 12
Contributed by: Sue Wells