Joel Clarod Burgess

Joel Clarod Burgess, age 94, of La Grande, died February 19, 2011 at his home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at the Church of Christ in La Grande. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Joel was born on February 8, 1917, the son of John H. and Oriole (Barret) Burgess in West Plains, Missouri. In 1936 he married Rebecca I. Nibblet. They marriage later ended in divorce. He served with the United States Army during World War II. On June 31, 1956 he married Beatrice "Bea" Hutchings. She preceded him in death on November 4, 2008.

Joel worked as a carpenter and contractor and built many homes in the Portland area. He moved to La Grande in the mid 1970's. He and Bea owned and operated the Imbler Café for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a Master Gardner. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include his children, Beverly Simmons of Myrtle Creek, Bill Burgess of Seattle, Sharon Cummingham of Kenai, Alaska, Peggy Lofton of Klamath Falls and Jeff and Annette Brence of La Grande; three brothers, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; devoted caregiver, Peggy Lockwood and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Burgess and a daughter, Nancy Ruth.

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