Melvin Mertis Hart

Melvin Mertis Hart, age 90, of La Grande died January 31, 2011 at a local care facility. A family graveside will be held at the Mt. Laki Cemetery in Merrill, Oregon. Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to Camp Elkanah in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

Mr. Hart was born on December 19, 1920, the son of Ralph and Hattie (Peck) Hart in Albany, Oregon. He served with the United States Navy during World War II and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. He earned a Bachelor's degree in education as well as a degree from the Multnomah School of Bible. He was married to Margaret Ann Icenbice and they moved to Union in 1963 where he taught at the grade school and also served as the Pastor of the Union Baptist Church. They later moved to California where he taught until his retirement. He moved back to Union County six years ago to be near family. He was an avid bible reader and prayer warrior.

Survivors include his children, Diana and John Mulholland of Anchorage, Alaska, Stephen and Vicki Hart of Boise, Gary and Phyllis Hart of La Grande, Anne and Bill McElhoes of Boise and Louisa and Jeff Dill of Hot Springs, Arkansas; adopted children, Robert Hart of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Barbara Diaz of Colorado; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, one son, Larry Hart and seven siblings.

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