Lonnie M. Myers

Lonnie M. Myers passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024, at his home in La Grande at the age of 80.

A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in La Grande on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:00 am.  A reception will follow.  Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center is enrusted with the arrangements.

Lonnie was born on May 11, 1943 in Pendleton, the son of Orvalle and LaVelle (Shipley) Myers.  He was raised at Mt. Emily Lumber Camp, Starkey until 1955 when his family moved to La Grande.  After graduating from La Grande High School in 1961, he attended Eastern Oregon College (EOU) and graduated in 1965 with a BS in Education.  In August of the same year, he married Jacquelyn Brindle from Heppner, Oregon. In October of 1965, Lonnie was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. His prolific career spanned over 27 years. In 1968 he deployed to the Republic of Vietnam as an Artillery Battery Commander and Tactical Air Observer in support of the 1st Marine Division. He returned to Vietnam in 1972, serving with 1st Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. He Commanded at multiple levels and held high-level staff positions. Lonnie and his family were stationed at various locations, including Okinawa, Japan, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Lemore, California, Twenty-nine Palms, California, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and San Francisco, California. He retired at the rank of Colonel in June of 1992. His decorations included the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with numeral 24, Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry with Silver Stars.

Lonnie and Jacquie then moved to La Grande where Lonnie got his Masters in Education from EOU and began his second career at La Grande Middle School teaching Social Studies until 2005.

Lonnie received multiple honors and recognitions for his volunteer hours with service organizations in La Grande.  He enjoyed volunteering as well as golfing, seeing the US while riding his motorcycle, and other outdoor activities.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jacquie of La Grande, daughters, Nichole (Ron) Myers-Youngquist of Crabtree, Oregon, Amy Morgan of La Grande, Gabrielle (Derek) Sheffield of Leavenworth, Washington, Courtney and Col. Philip Laing of Camp Pendleton, California, and six grandchildren: Summer, Shane, Jackson, Brady, Zoey and Kelsea. Besides his parents, Lonnie was preceded in death by his sisters, Sharon Mortensen and Joyce Leonard.

Contributions in memory of Lonnie M. Myers may be made to the American Legion Post #43, 301 Fir Street, La Grande, OR  97850.

Online condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.danielsknopp.com