Franklin Richard Hoyt

Franklin Richard Hoyt, age 99, of Union, died November 14, 2011 at a local care facility. A memorial service will be held on Saturday November 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Union Baptist Church. Private interment will be at the Union Cemetery.

Mr. Hoyt was born on September 25, 1912, the son of Silas and Eunice (Flanders) Hoyt in Norton County, Kansas. In 1934, during the depression, he headed West looking for work and ended up in Oregon near LaGrande.

On July 17, 1937 he married Emma Mary Payne in Payette, Idaho. Their first home was near Hilgard Oregon, where they lived from 1937-41 and where Jim and Dan were born. They moved to High Valley near Union in 1941 and lived there until 1945. Then they moved down on Catherine Creek 7 miles east of Union. Frank worked for many years at Pondosa as a fireman on their railroad and then in the mill. After the pondosa mill closed Frank worked various other jobs until his retirement in 1974. He was a master gardener and gave away a great amount of food to family, friends, strangers, and the senior center.

He was an active member of the First Baptist Church at Union where he served several terms as a Deacon. He was also involved with Awanas and New Tribes Missions.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Jim and Sandra Hoyt of The Dalles, Dan and Linda Hoyt of Union, Shaun Hoyt of Veneta, Hilda Marquez of Tri Cities and Lora and Willis McClammy of Pendleton; brother, Kenneth Hoyt of Union; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Emma, three brothers and three sisters.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mr. Hoyt to the Union Baptist Church in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande, OR 97850

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