Formerly of La Grande
1915-2009
J.D. Steinbeck, 93, of Seneca and formerly of La Grande, died Jan. 31 at Country Spice Assisted Living Center in John Day.
Graveside services will begin at 1 p.m. Friday at the Hermiston Cemetery. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of arrangements.
J.D. was born May 19, 1915, to Frank and Clara (Hadley) Steinbeck in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School and later from Boeing Aircraft School in California. He served in the U.S. Army as a diesel mechanic instructor based in Seattle.
He then returned to La Grande to work for Bunting Tractor Co. as parts manager. He later started and managed Inland Machinery Co. in John Day. He also owned and operated a motel in Ashland at one time.
Throughout his life, J.D. was involved in farming and cattle in Culver, Tillamook and Hermiston. After selling the farm in Hermiston he was employed at Pendleton Grain Growers, Lamb Weston and Eastern Oregon Farms as farm manager.
He served on the Westland Water District Board of Directors. He was a member of the Elks and a Mason.
Survivors include his son, Don, and his wife, Char; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; son, Jim; and wife, Aretha.
The Observer – Obituaries for the day of February 3, 2009