Robert "Ray" Raymond Buckley

Robert Raymond "Ray" Buckley, age 94, of La Grande, died December 14, 2006 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grandview Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mr. Buckley was born July 16, 1912, the son of Frank and Margaret (Wildman) Buckley in Deer Lodge, Montana. He came to La Grande when he was 5 years old and was raised by his Aunt and Uncle, Eleanor and Bert Carr. He graduated from La Grande High School. He worked for the Piggly Wiggly Stores in La Grande and Baker. On October 13, 1935 he married Magdalene Buckley at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Baker City.

During World War II he served with the 4th Marine Division and was recalled to service during the Korean War. In 1942 he began working for the Union Pacific Railroad and retired in 1971. In 1977 he went to work for the La Grande School District #1 until retiring. He was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2990, the American Legion and the Elks Lodge. He received the Founder's Memorial Lifetime Appreciation Award at the Union County Senior Center in 2005.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Teresa Buckley; sisters, grandchildren, Jacob and Sara Buckley; a new great granddaughter; nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mr. Buckley to the Union County Senior Center in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.