George Edward Evans

George Edward Evans, age 86, of La Grande, died Thursday, August 3, 2006 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 7, 2006 at 2:00 pm at the Summerville Cemetery.

Mr. Evans was born on December 10, 1919 in Bartlett, Nebraska to Charles Sydney and Grace (Lorenz) Evans. He moved to La Grande at the age of eight with his family. He graduated from La Grande High School. During World War II he served in the 94th Infantry in Europe with the United States Army. He was in four major battles which he received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Mr. Evans married Virginia "Peggy" Courtney Stewart in Walla Walla, Washington on October 19, 1950. He worked for the Mt. Emily Lumber Mill for 13 years. He later returned to work for the Union Pacific Railroad which he had worked before going into the military. He retired as a Union Pacific Railroad Engineer on December 10, 1982.

Mr. Evans was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the American Legion and the La Grande Eagles. He loved to fish and do wood work for his family.

Survivors include his wife, Peggy of La Grande; son and his wife, Michael E. and Rae Evans of Umatilla; daughter, Nancy Baker of Joseph; sister, Frances A. Case of Aloha, Oregon; three granddaughters, Lindsey Ruth of Hermiston, Janice Graves of Baker City and Cresta Kelso of Vale; two grandsons, Cordy Zollman of Joseph and Monty Zollman of Oregon City; six great grandsons and four great granddaughters and other relatives and friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mr. Evans to the Oregon Cancer Society in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.