Orval Paul Sailer

Orval Paul Sailer, age 99, of Hermiston and formerly of La Grande, died Monday, April 8, 2013 in Hermiston at Good Shepherd Hospital. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 15, 2013 at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center at 11:00 a.m. Committal and interment will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Mr. Sailer was born on October 28, 1913, the son of William Paul and Pearl (Bearden) Sailer in La Grande. He attended Central Grade School and graduated from La Grande High School. He played football during high school and excelled with a win as Oregon State Champs. He attended Eastern Oregon Normal School for two years before going to work for the Union Pacific Railroad in the mid 1930's. He worked for them until his retirement in 1975.

Mr. Sailer met Billie McClure at a root beer drive-in in La Grande and they were married in 1935 and she preceded him in death. He enjoyed hunting and fishing most of his life, as well as traveling and trailer camping. Orval found time to be a member of the La Grande BPOE and also the La Grande Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his children, Leonard Sailer and Sandi Tucker, both of Hermiston; nine grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a younger sister and her husband, Vaughn and Clair Lennox.

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