Mervin A. “Buster” Katsel of Stanfield passed away in Hermiston on May 13, 2026 at the age of 92.
He was born on Nov. 21, 1933 in Waitsburg, Wash. the fourth and last child born to Orlie A. and Lida Mae Prest Katsel.
Buster grew up in farm country and worked side by side with his parents. He attended school in Waitsburg, where he was both athletic and intelligent. In high school, he represented the United States as a basketball player at the games in Canada.
Buster drove trucks commercially until retiring at the age of 88. He owned a trucking company in Boardman and Touchet, Wash. for many years. In his later years, he and his wife, Cristy, also owned and drove limousines throughout the Hermiston area.
Buster always accepted challenges and had a lifelong dream of flying and being a crop duster. His quick smile and professionalism made for a successful business.
He is survived by his wife, Cristy; sons, Marvin Katsel of Richland, Ben Katsel of Hermiston, Tim Katsel of Walla Walla and Gabe Wells of Irrigon; daughter, Nahja of Dayton, Wash.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Calvin and George Katsel; and one sister, Esther Katsel Anderson.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later time.
