George Robert Colkitt

George Robert Colkitt, age 81, of La Grande and formerly of Elgin, died May 22, 2011 at his home. A funeral will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Valley Fellowship in La Grande. Committal and interment will follow at the Elgin Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Friday, May 27 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

George was born on September 12, 1929, the son of Robert D. and Clara L. (Depp) Colkitt in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He was raised by his grandparents and after high school he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served during both the Korean and the Vietnam Wars and made the military his career. He rose to the rank of Lt. Commander before he was honorably discharged. On July 3, 1953 he married Betty Rogers in Seattle, Washington. During his military career they lived in various places, his last station being in Virginia. While stationed in Virginia Beach he coached Little League baseball and football. He also served on com.des.ron. staff where he ran tests and evolutions on equipment the Navy was looking at purchasing. They moved to Elgin in 1971. He owned and operated Napa Auto Parts stores in Union, Baker and Elgin. George was a member of Valley Fellowship and enjoyed being an active member. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shrine organizations and was a member of Eastern Star in Elgin. He loved to golf and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Betty of La Grande; sons and thier spouses, George Michael "Mike" and Becky Colkitt of Union, Steven Ronald "Steve" and Char Colkitt of Union and Jeff Thompson and wife Pam of Boise; grandchildren, Josh Colkitt, Kimberly Hallman, Krista Griffiths, Steven Colkitt, Stephanie Windle, Justin Colkitt, Nichole Thompson, Travis Thompson and Madelyn Thompson; great grandchildren, Tyler and Alexandra Griffiths, Sheridan and Sheldon Thomas and Ainsley Colkitt; brothers and their wives, Budd and Patty Drummond of California and Bill and Nora Drummond of Pennsylvania; Joan Giest of California and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph, his parents and a son, John Colkitt.

Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the Shrine Hospital, GRH Hospice or the charity of one's choice in care of Daniels~Knopp.

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