Obituaries for the day of August 29, 2008

Case, Johnson, Jordan

Afton Hirst Case, 86, of La Grande, died July 27 at a local care center. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Sept. 6 at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St. in La Grande. Committal and interment was held earlier at the Hillcrest East Cemetery.

Afton was born Oct. 31, 1921, to James Hirst and Pearl (Bowthorpe) Thompson in Union. On Jan. 4, 1948, she married Gerald Franklin Case in La Grande. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in

La Grande. She served with the Relief Society and was secretary to Primary and Mutual. She enjoyed crafts of all kinds and fishing. During the winter months she and her husband spent time in Quartzite, Ariz.

Survivors include her sisters, Athella King of Seattle, Della Huges of Coulee Dam, Wash., and Luana Peck of La Grande; numerous nieces and nephews; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, and sisters, Nelma Thompson, Wilma Anderson and Mildred Strong.

Memorial contributions may be made to any charity.

Zeb Dee Johnson, 29, formerly of Elgin, died Aug. 23 in Tillamook County. Zeb was employeed at the Tillamook Cheese Visitor Center as the Food Service Manager prior to his death. A celebration of life will be held from 3-7p.m. Sept. 5 at the community center in Elgin. A second service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Tillamook Cheese Visitor Center.

Zeb was born Dec. 14, 1978, to Lanna Dawson and Dick Johnson in Ontario. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1998. His high school accomplishments included president of the Elgin FFA Chapter, high school mascot as well as class president.

After high school he followed the foreign exchange students back to Europe and spent the summer exploring the Alps. Upon his return to the states he attended Western Culinary Institute and graduated in 2000. He stayed in Portland and worked at the University Club downtown.

His passion for cooking and his love of people provided him many adventures during his short life. For three summers he worked at the Minam Lodge in the Wallowa Mountains. His role as the wrangler, tour guide, animal tender, maintenance manager and campfire chef provided many great memories for his clients, friends and family.

For several winters Zeb ventured to the Florida Keys working for the Boy Scouts of America. While in the Keys he learned to scuba dive, sail boats and received his six-pack license to pilot boats. He survived over 30 hurricanes while in the Keys.

His talent as a chef brought him other opportunities including implementing an updated food program for colleges throughout Oregon while working for Aramark Corp. at Eastern Oregon University. He also worked as the executive chef at Mallard Creek Golf Course in Lebanon.

Zeb enjoyed the outdoors, riding horses, fishing, camping, boating, fast cars, traveling and cooking for his family and friends. He really was the life of the party, always had a smile on his face, a hug in his arms and a roaring laughter that came from his soul, family said.

Survivors include his father, Dick Johnson; mother, Lanna and Gary Dawson of Clatskanie; siblings, Tara Dawson of Eugene and Jonathan Dawson of La Grande; grandmother, Arleta Turner of Lebanon; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Oregon. Cash donations can also be made to Community Bank in Northeast Oregon to help offset funeral costs.

Bobby Gene Jordan, 73, of Spokane and formerly of La Grande, died Aug. 24 in Spokane. A funeral service will begin at 4 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home in Spokane. Burial will be at Riverside Memorial Park.

Bobby was born April 7, 1935, in Ripley, Okla. He grew up in La Grande and graduated from La Grande High School.

Bobby retired from the Air Force as a chief master sergeant after 22 1/2 years. He then worked as an equipment technician until his retirement. He was a member of the VFW Post 1435, Moose Lodge No. 482, Eagles, FOB Club and American Legion.

He is survived by sons, Kim Jordan of Cheney, Wash., and Todd and Jon Jordan, both of Spokane; daughters, Jeni Turner of Sequim, Wash., Shari Franklin of Spokane; sisters, Patricia Peterson and Caroline Schie; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.