Charles "Chuck" Mckague

Charles Earl "Chuck" McKague, 90, of La Grande, died Aug. 8 at Vista Specialty Care in La Grande. He requested that there be no funeral service.

Charles was born June 10, 1920, one of four children to Herschel and Myrtle (Wood) McKague in Carthage, Mo.

In July 1938, he married Jean Cox in Nampa, Idaho. They had three children and helped raise Charles Kearney who lived with them for many years.

Charles joined the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s, and in 1944, enlisted in the U.S. Army, fighting in the South Pacific during World War II. He was twice wounded, which affected his hearing for the rest of his life. He was honorably discharged in December 1945.

Before and after World War II, Charles worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and retired in 1982 after 42 years of service. At one time he owned a farm in Stanfield and a restaurant in Milton-Freewater.

Charles belonged to the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 3362.

He enjoyed many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, camping and snowmobiling.

He loved to dance. In his later years, nothing gave him more joy than his dogs and cats. He loved feeding the birds and squirrels outside his window.

In 1975, his beloved wife, Jean, died in Portland. Charles married Mary Ellen Busey in February 1981 and was proud to raise her youngest daughter as his own.

Those who knew him say he lived a life full of accomplishments and had a wealth of friends.

Charles is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Judie and her husband, Pasco Arritola, of La Grande; step-daughter, Joanie Busey of Wilsonville; three other step-children; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Jean; an infant son; son, Charles Richard "Dick" McKague; and dear friend and stepfather, Dwight King.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Association in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

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