Paul William Nice

Paul William Nice, 90, lifelong resident of Wolf Creek and La Grande, died Dec. 6 in La Grande. A viewing will run from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at Loveland Funeral Chapel.

Family and friends will attend a graveside service beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at North Powder Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. at Loveland Funeral Chapel.

Paul was born June 25, 1920, to Matthias and Rosella May Tally Nice at North Powder. He was raised on the family farm, and attended school at Wolf Creek and North Powder.

Following graduation from high school, Paul enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a tech sergeant and aircraft mechanic in the South American Theater.

While on leave from the Air Corps, Paul married the love of his life, Leora Hobbs, on Sept. 4, 1941, in Weiser, Idaho, and recently shared their 69th wedding anniversary.

After an honorable discharge from the Air Corps in 1945, Paul worked 35 years as a mechanic for the Oregon State Highway Department in La Grande until his retirement in 1980.

Paul was always available to help family members with their many projects. He loved visiting relatives, RVing, snow-mobiling and traveling, which included trips to their favorite spots on the Oregon Coast, Anthony Lakes and Indianapolis to see their daughter Marlene and family.

They rarely missed a family member's special occasion including graduations, weddings, family reunions and sporting events. He was a member of the Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW, Elks, and Eagles.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marlene Pursley; siblings, Chester and Malcolm Nice, Clara Nice, Maude Howard, Edna Gray and Ruby Sloan, a cousin, raised by the family since birth, Myrtle Jean Addleman; granddaughter, Christine Pursley; and Zachary Cook, great-grandson.

Paul is survived by his wife, Leora; children and their spouses, Cathleen and Richard Cook of College Place, Wash., and Larry and Claudine Nice of La Grande; several grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart 'n Home Hospice or La Grande High School Athletics in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1505 Fourth St. La Grande 97850.

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