Virgil "Killer" Lee Killgore

Virgil Lee "Killer" Killgore, 75, of La Grande and formerly of Weston, died the morning of Aug. 13 at Evergreen Vista Rehabilitation Center in La Grande from complications of kidney failure.

Virgil requested a happy gathering and potluck dinner. It will begin at 5 p.m. Friday at 410 N. Railroad St. in Weston. Those who knew him are asked to bring pictures and stories of Virgil. Family and friends may call 541-566-2435 for information. Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home in Milton-Freewater is in charge of the arrangements.

Virgil was born April 20, 1934, to Jesse and Monnie (Lancaster) Killgore in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Following graduation from Weston High School, Virgil enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on several ships in the Pacific during the Korean War where he earned several medals and citations while on board the USS Talladega as a MoMM Petty Officer Second Class. He transferred to serve as a Navy Corpsman and served in missions with a Naval Warfare unit and missions with the Marine Corp.

Following the war, Virgil returned to Weston. He attended OIT for electrical engineering. He then worked as an electrician.

In 1969 at Reno, he married Rosella Fern Doering of Maupin.

Later in life, Virgil opened an unnamed business working on the local community's faulty electrical items and cars. Those who knew Virgil say his venture became a significant business in the Weston area. He didn't charge much, if at all, and loved to help out. Virgil retired from the business 10 years ago to pursue his other passion, fishing.

Music was one of the loves of his life too. Virgil was an accomplished piano player and earned the nickname "Killer," which everyone called Virgil for his style of playing, comparable to that of Jerry Lee Lewis' style. Virgil wrote several songs including "The Blue Mountain Waltz," which he played at local harvest parties, events and bars.

Virgil was proud of his military service and his Southern heritage.

Virgil is survived by his sons, Michael Killgore of La Grande and Eric Killgore of North Hollywood, Calif.; two granddaughters; a grandson; and a great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Monnie Killgore; brother, Jerry; and wife of 38 years, Rosella Fern Killgore.

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