Merton Winford Loree

Merton Winford Loree, age 91, of Cove, died February 25, 2010 at a local care facility. A service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center. Committal and interment will follow at the Cove Cemetery.

Merton was born on January 31, 1919, the son of Melvin Loree and Nettie Viola Lowery Loree at Superior, Wisconsin. They moved to Cove in 1921 and he graduated from Cove High School. On July 7, 1938 Merton married Erma Cunningham in Walla Walla, Washington. They had three sons and two daughters.

Merton and Erma built and operated the Minam Lodge for 22 years. They sold the lodge in 1969. Merton was a painter before they built the lodge and after selling it he went back to painting contracting again until his retirement.

Merton was a veteran of World War II, was a member of the Cove Masonic Lodge #91, Grande Ronde Valley Lodge of Union, Scottish Rite Masons, Royal Arch Masons and the Cove Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Erma of Cove; son John Loree of Cove, son, Charles Loree of Troutdale; daughter, Sharon James of Troutdale; 8 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and one great great grandson. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brothers, Mel, Grayden and Forest; sister, Mae McClain; son, Merton Loree Jr.; daughter, Georgie Mae and nieces and nephews.

Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the Shriners Hospital in care of Daniels~Knopp.

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