Marvin Keith Pilkenton, 81, of Baker City, died Sept. 19, 2007, at his home.
A veterans memorial graveside service will take place Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery. Cremation was handled by Eastern Oregon Pioneer Crematory in Baker City.
Marvin was born on May 29, 1926, at Cimarron, Kan., to Keith and Norine Pilkenton. When he was eight years old, the family moved to Walnut Creek, Calif., where he lived until 1968. While a student at Acalanes High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and reported for service after graduation in 1944. He served at Saipan and Okinawa. After the Japanese surrendered, he served in Tsingtao, China. His service in the Marine Corps was one of his greatest prides in life. He mustered out in 1947 and returned to California where he met Nina Korosteleff. They were married in January of 1948.
In 1968 he and Nina moved to Baker and then soon after to a home that they built in the Sumpter Valley. There were a lot of good times and happiness in their house. Marvin enjoyed few things more than just getting behind the wheel of his car or boat. Simply going somewhere, or even no place at all, for him the trip itself was an event. He could really make getting from one place to another into an experience.
His discovery of the beauty of Eastern Oregon added a new dimension to his drives. He covered many miles and spent many happy hours exploring our corner of paradise.
After losing Nina, Marvin became an RVer, dividing his time between Eastern Oregon, the Southwest, and also traveling through much of the rest of our country. He lived in Baker City for his last few years, where he passed away peacefully.
Marvin is survived by his daughter, Janice Wall of Virginia Beach, Va.; his son, Greg (Buck) of Sumpter Valley; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many friends who were with his family, his greatest joy in life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nina, in 1989.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled Veterans in care of Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, September 21, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor