Orville John Elija Carper

Orville John Elijah Carper, 89, of Lostine, died May 1. A graveside memorial service was held May 8 at Lostine Cemetery.

Orville was born March 10, 1921, in the Grossman area near Maxville and Promise. He spent his childhood years there and attended several schools in the area.

Of pioneer lineage, Orville left home at age 13 to find work, mainly as a ranch hand prior to his entry into the military during WWII. He received an honorable discharge and was a decorated veteran of the Normandy Beach Invasion at Omaha Beach. Besides France, he also served in Germany and England. He then worked mainly in the timber industry until he retired.

Orville was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. Those who knew him say he was a prayerful Christian. He enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and camping. He enjoyed family get togethers.

He married Lena Mae Reeves of Louisiana Dec. 31, 1949.

Orville is survived by his wife, Lena M. Carper; two sons, Timothy W. Carper and his wife, Robyn, of Elgin and Ashley E. Carper and his wife, Anita, of Tacoma, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Debbie Carper of Bend; sisters, Leona Collins of Milton-Freewater and Shirley Doud of Lostine; brother, Robert Carper and his wife, Jean, of Joseph; two stepchildren, Maxine Haines of Pendleton and Tom Rucker of Arizona; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Ashley and Lula Mae (Barton) Carper; five sisters, Edna Kenworthy, Mary Prince, Sadie Lyon, Bertie Prince and Elsie Stroope; two brothers, James Russell Lowell Carper and Joseph Thomas Edison Carper; son, Ronald James Carper; granddaughter, Wendy Sue Carper; and great-granddaughter, Sabrina Renee Akins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Horizon, 103 Silver, Enterprise 97828.

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