George Orlin Barton

George Orlin Barton, 78, of Wallowa, died Feb. 19 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Walla Walla.

He was born June 14, 1931, to Reuben and Louisa (Carper) Barton at Promise. He lived and attended school in Promise until 1943 when his family moved to Wallowa. He graduated from Wallowa High School in 1950.

Orlin joined the Army Reserves in 1951 and began active duty in 1953 where he attended schools for mechanics and diesel training at Fort Ord, California, and Fort Belvore, Virginia. After being stationed in Germany, he left the Army as a sergeant in 1955. Upon his discharge he returned to Wallowa where he worked for J. Herbert Bates Lumber Co. until 1958.

In 1958 he enrolled in auto body technology at the Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls. He received his associated applied science degree in 1960. Upon his graduation, Orlin returned to Wallowa County were he spent time as auto body mechanic, mill worker and finally a logger and rancher.

In 1968 he married Doris Grilley in Lewiston, Idaho. They made their home in Wallowa and Promise.

Those who knew Orlin say he was known for his sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time at Promise and liked hunting, fishing, gardening, animals, sports and especially Oregon State University athletics.

He was a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 0072.

Orlin is survived by his wife, Doris, sons and daughters-in-law, Gerry and Candi Barton of Lewiston, Idaho, and Steve and Melissa Jones of Enterprise; daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Art Catlin of Portland; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two nieces; and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister-in-law and son.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 0072 in care of Bollman Funeral Home, 315 W. Main St., Enterprise 97828.

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