Herbert O. Imel

Herbert O. Imel, 80, of La Grande died at his home July 23. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Loveland Funeral Chapel.

Herb was born at Beaver Creek outside of Oregon City on April 16, 1929, to Herbert H. and Myrtle Imel. He went to a one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade then attended and graduated from Oregon City High School.

Herb worked for the Forest Service at Bull of the Woods Lookout. He had many experiences while working there, both with people and animals. He later enlisted in the Army and was sent to Germany during the Korean Conflict.

When Herb got out of the Army he studied automotive mechanics at OTI in Klamath Falls. He specialized in tune-ups and carburetor repairs. In 1955 Herb moved to La Grande and went to work for Shaw Motors (the Ford Dealership) and Hal Herman before starting his own business, H. I. Light Auto Repair.

In 1959 he met Pat Morton and they were married in 1960. Herb and Pat had three children.

Herb was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and the Eagle Cap lakes. He loved country music and attending music concerts and plays at the high school and Eastern Oregon University. Herb was very content to sit on the back porch with a cold beer or glass of wine and swap tales with friends.

Survivors include his children, Kevin Imel of Lawton, Okla., Randy Imel of Escondido, Calif., and Shelly Imel Patterson of Fresno, Calif.; sister, La Verne Civarra of Kent, Wash.; brother and sister-in-law, James and Doris Imel of Portland; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Regional Cancer Center, for the Herring House, 401 Poplar, Walla Walla, Wash. 99362

.