Dean Lester Morehead

Dean Lester Morehead, 81 of La Grande, died Wednesday, February 22, 2006 in San Diego, California following a series of strokes.

Private interment will be in the family plot in the cemetery in Sweet Home, Oregon.

Mr. Morehead was born on February 12, 1925 in La Grande to Lester and Mildred Morehead. He attended Greenwood Elementary and La Grande High School where he played trombone, sang in the choir and served as a student body officer. After graduating with the class of 1943 he entered the U.S. Navy V12 program where he earned an aerospace engineering degree from M.I.T. During World War II he served as a P38 pilot. After his honorable discharge as a lieutenant, junior grade he worked for Boeing at Cape Canaveral for several years before moving to Seattle where he was in charge of security and fire protection for all of Boeing's world wide properties. His final job was plant manager in California. He was also their executive pilot. After retirement he lived in Seattle prior to returning to La Grande in 2000.

He was married to Yolanda Allen of La Grande for several years.

Mr. Morehead was a faithful member of the Faith Lutheran Church in La Grande. He was also an active member of the American Legion here. He was an avid pilot and was a founding member of the Old Bold Pilot's Association. He owned a historic V tail Bonanza for several years until he was grounded for health reasons.

Survivors include a son Mark Morehead of Beaverton; his former wife and close friend, Yolanda Fleet of Escondido, California; and other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Lyle who was killed in WWII, a sister, Mildred and a son Alan.

Friends who wish may make contributions in memory of Dean Morehead to the Faith Lutheran Church and they may be sent in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, OR 97850.