Orlander "Lee" Jenkins

Orlander "Lee" Jenkins, age 87, of La Grande, died May 9, 2012 in Meridian, Idaho. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 19th at 1:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest East Cemetery. A gathering for family and friends follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Jenkins home. Those who wish may sign the on-line guestbook or leave a message for the family at www.danielsknopp.com.

Lee was born on May 5, 1925, the son of Lewis D. and Connie (Pullman) Jenkins in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was raised mostly in the south but has made his home in many states during his lifetime. He served with the United States Army during World War II and was a decorated POW. After his honorable discharge from the military he lived along the Salmon River in Idaho for a year and then moved to Red's Horse Ranch for a time. He later moved to Cove and finally to La Grande. On December 15, 1952 he married Patricia Knight in La Grande. They lived in what was the original courthouse in old town La Grande until they built their current home. He worked for both the saw mill and the railroad for a time before working permanently for Union Pacific Railroad. He worked for them for 32 years. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, UPRR Jr. Old Timers, the Elks Lodge, the American Legion and High Valley VFW. He enjoyed watching westerns, playing cribbage, listening to big band music and was very crafty and clever. He was also a collector of many, many things over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia of La Grande; sons, Jim and Valerie Jenkins of Vancouver, Washington, Patrick Jenkins and David Hill of Portland and Brad and Lisa Jenkins of La Grande; brother, Irvin "Bradley" Jenkins of Florida; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Myrtle Jenkins.

Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the Union VFW in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

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