Eugene John ‘Gene’ McKay, 80, of Hermiston, a former Baker County resident, died Nov. 16, 2000, at his home.
His graveside funeral was today at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Mr. McKay had lived at Hermiston since 1947. He grew up in Sumpter and graduated from high school in Baker City. He married Bonnie Stuart at Boise on Nov. 15, 1941.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a staff sergeant for three years in the European Theater. After the war, he moved to Hermiston and worked for McReynolds Garage as a mechanic and later at the Umatilla Army Depot.
In the late 1950s, he went to work for the U.S. Post Office in Hermiston as a mail carrier. He retired in 1979. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking and
fishing.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Bonnie McKay of Hermiston, and a son, John McKay of Hermiston.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jon and Libbie McKay, and a sister, Berniece Harding in 1994.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. The Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of arrangements.
Used with permission from: The Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, November 24, 2000
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor