Milo J. Kizer

Milo J., 'M.J.', 'Grandpa' Kizer, age 91, of High Valley, died July 10, 2014 at his home surrounded by family and caregivers. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Union Cemetery. The family requests casual dress for the graveside. A celebration of life will be held in October.

M.J. was born on November 15, 1922, the son of Milo W. and Zona Z. (Tahash) Kizer in Long Beach, California. After he graduated from high school he married his high school sweetheart Bettty J. Dungan on December 22, 1942. He joined the Coast Guard during World War II and was stationed out of Newport, Oregon. After his discharge he went to work as a fireman for the City of Long Beach, California in April of 1945. He rose to the rank of Captain and retired in December of 1972. They moved to High Valley in 1973 to ranch, farm, mechanic, build, and according to M.J. work harder than he ever had. He was a member of the Union Baptist Church. In 1979 he started the Sparks AWANA Club and was the director for 35 years. The kids in the club called him 'Grandpa'. He was a Prayer Warrior. His wife preceded him in death in 1983. When younger he enjoyed fishing, hiking, boating and camping with his family. He cherished spending time with them. M.J. loved discussing the Lord, His Goodness, and His Soon Return. He accepted Jesus as Savior at an early age, his love for Jesus was evident, his goal was to see others come to know Jesus in a personal way, he was dedicated to his Lord and Savior, his family and friends. His favorite verse was John 3:16.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Karen and George Tattersall of High Valley and Keith and Paulette Kizer of Ripon, California; grandchildren, Tamara Tattersall of La Grande, Aaron and Tracie Tattersall of Parker, Colorado, Keisha Vandeveer of Oakdale, California, Don Hawkins of Oakdale, California, Dan Hawkins of Ceres, California; great grandchildren, Kizer Vandeveer and Mitch and Travis Holman; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by sister, Hester Lindsay.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Union Baptist Church AWANA Clubs. The family wishes to thank Grande Ronde Hospital Home Care Staff and Services, Dr. Montee and staff, Dr. Clarke and staff, Union Ambulance Services, Union Volunteer Fire Department, faithful caregivers, family and friends, faithful prayer warriors and 35 years of Sparky Clubbers.

.