Earle C. Misener

Earle C. Misener passed away at the age of 85, on February 28, 2006 at his home in La Grande. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 6, 2006 at the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church. Committal and military honors will follow at the Grandview Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.

Earle was born on May 15, 1920 in San Diego, California to Earle and Elda (Smith) Misener. He spent the majority of his youth in Oakland and the Sacramento area and spent much time at his grandparent's home working on their peach orchard in Marysville, California. He was drafted into the Army in 1942 and attained the rank of Sergeant before attending Officer's Candidate School. He received his commission in March of 1943.

Earle met Joyce Hudson of Hamlin, Texas while stationed at Camp Barkley in Abilene, Texas. They were married in November of 1943. Joyce preceded him in death in November of 1984.

Earle remained in the Army for 21 years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served two tours overseas in Korea, as well as Japan, Alaska and numerous other posts in the U.S. He retired from active duty in 1964, after his final posting as an advisor to the Oregon Army National Guard in La Grande. The leadership and administrative skills that he acquired while in the military would prove invaluable in his public life for the next 20 plus years.

Earle went on to work for the M.J. Goss Motor Company after his retirement from the Army and also served as Union County Civil Defense Director during the winter flood of 1964-65. In November of 1966, the then Oregon Governor, Mark O. Hatfield, appointed Earle as County Judge of Union County. He remained in this post for the next 20 years, successfully being re-elected to three consecutive terms. While serving as County Judge, Earle was elected as the president of the Association of Oregon Counties. He was an active part of the community serving on, and as a director of the La Grande-Union County Chamber of Commerce, six years as the chairman of the Blue Mountain Intergovernmental Council, six years as chairman of the Oregon Counties District #2 and also as chairman of the Union County Board of Equalization. He also served on a host of other county, regional and state committees and boards.

He retired from his position as Union County Judge in 1986. In 1987 he was named "Man of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce. In 1993 he married Rose Mary Bohne in La Grande and became a part of her family. He spent the remainder of his life doting on his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Mary Misener of La Grande; children, Robert Misener of Connell, Washington, Richard Misener of Hermiston; Terri Lynn McEvers of Coeur ‘d Alene, Idaho, Jerry Thomas Bohne of Corinth, Mississippi and Mary Ann Walter of La Grande; grandchildren, Sean Misener, Douglas Bohne, Laura Bohne, Trevor McEvers, Jared McEvers, Jess Walter, Joel Walter and Jacob Walter and other relatives and friends. His brother, Jack Misener preceded him in death in 1993.