Merle "Keith" Tannehill

Merle "Keith" Tannehill, age 77, died at his home July 1, 2010 following a long illness.

Keith was born to Clyde and Leola Tannehill, February 23, 1933, in Pasadena, California. He moved to Boardman, Oregon at the age of 6 and lived there until he graduated from Boardman High School in 1951. He then went on to Oregon State University where he earned his degree in Agricultural Economics. Keith joined the Army and served in the Korean War.

Keith married Geraldine Williams on August 15, 1954 in The Dalles, Oregon. The couple then lived in Portland, Klamath Falls and Hillsboro where Keith was employed with different branches of the Pacific Supply Co-Op. They made their home in La Grande, Oregon in 1968, where they started their family-owned business, Inland Feed and Supply. Keith also worked as a foreman at Boise Cascade Particle Board Plant during this time. After suffering a severe head injury, Keith then went on to operate an insect and weed control business, as well as working as a maintenance person for the US Forest Service Range and Wildlife Habitat. Keith fully retired in 2006. He was an avid reader and library patron, and enjoyed dining out on a regular basis.

Survivors include his wife, Gerry, of La Grande; daughter, Beth Tannehill of Portland; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Karen Tannehill of La Grande and three granddaughters.

Per Keith's instructions, there will be no public memorial service. The family will have a private dinner at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cook Memorial Library in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.

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