David Ross Mclain

David Ross McLain, age 81, of La Grande, died Friday, July 17, 2009 at his home. At his request there will be no service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sumpter Valley Railroad in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

David was born on August 18, 1927 in La Grande to Amos H. and Amy (Hulse) McLain. He graduated from La Grande High School and then Eastern Oregon College with a degree in Education. He served with the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War. In 1954 he and Leona Tetrick, also of La Grande, were married in Yakima, Washington. He lived all of his life in La Grande, doing what he loved most, driving trucks. He drove for Cenex and then for Bowman Trucking, Inc., logging well over a million miles of accident free driving, never missing a day of work. He retired in 1997.

Survivors include his wife, Leona of La Grande; four children, Sons, Cory McLain of Portland and Greg McLain of La Grande; daughters, Tamara Stanley of Pendleton and Talia Welch of La Grande; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sisters, Joyce Bak of Yakima and Laura Hayes of Baker City; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Grant.

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