Alva Edison Justus

Alva Edison Justus, 91, of Baker City, died February 3, 2015. Services celebrating his life will be held Saturday, February 7, at 2:00 pm at Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel with Pastor Dave Deputy of Calvary Baptist Church officiating.

Alva was born October 6, 1923 in Rye Valley and remained an Oregonian his whole life. He was raised on a farm with 5 sisters and 2 brothers who rode "Old Red", the horse, to school together. He graduated from high school in 1942 in Vale. He was an athlete, participating in high school sports, football, basketball, and was on the boxing team. After graduation, he worked side by side with his father, Tona, on their farm until he left to serve his country in World War II. This duty took him to South Korea on occupational duty where he gained experience and knowledge to operate heavy equipment with the 13th Engineer Battalion. He was honorably discharged from the Army in May 1947. Alva used his G.I. bill benefits to get his pilot's license at a small airfield in Harper, flying a Cessna 140. He enjoyed flying himself and his friends around Eastern Oregon, Idaho and Washington...but after he married his sweetheart, Norma, he never flew again.

Alva met and married the love of his life, Norma Jackson all in the same year. They were married in Vale on August 10, 1951. Alva and Norma were married 63 years, and had four daughters. He moved his family to Baker City in 1970, and retired here at the age of 62. He enjoyed hunting and fishing on the Snake River. Alva's career usually always involved heavy equipment operation and provided an opportunity to raise his four daughters on a farm, together with all the farm animals and adventures.

Alva was simply a kind gentleman with a big heart. He worked hard, loved strong, and lived long. He served his country, provided for his family, was loyal, humble, selfless, and a fighter until his last breath.

Survivors include his wife, Norma L. Justus, one sibling, Erma Johnson, four daughters: Lynn Miller and Bruce of Vancouver, WA, Toni Goss and Milo of Baker City, Jeannie Olson and Roger of Bend, OR, Jill Walker and John of Moses Lake, WA; grandchildren: Shane Gutridge, Kristi Miller DeVoe, Lee Miller, Bobby Lemmon, Joshua Walker, Jared Olson, Cody Meiser; and 10 great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Veteran's Memorial Club through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.