Arthur LeRoy Burkenbine of Hermiston passed away on Oct. 21, 2024 at the age of 83 while sleeping in his home with loved ones by his side after a four-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
Arthur was born on Feb. 23, 1941 to Reese and Nina Cox Burkenbine in Heppner.
Arthur graduated from Heppner High School in 1960. Arthur worked at the Heppner Gazette from 1959 through 1961. He was then a produce manager for Central Market from 1961 to 1969. In 1969 he moved to Hermiston and started working for Marlette Homes. He had a 31-year career with the company before retiring in 2000.
He married the love of his life, Sherley May Case in July 1962 at the Methodist church in Heppner. They went on to have seven children, Micheal L. Case born on April 30, 1963, Larry D. Burkenbine 1964-1969, William A. Burkenbine August-November 1965, Arthur L. Pease born on June 12, 1967, David K. Andrews born on Oct. 11, 1969, Clayton R. Burkenbine Oct. 10, 1973, and Rebbecca E. Owen Jan. 27, 1977-April 11, 2021.
In 2000, Arthur retired and spent his time reading western novels and treasure hunting magazines and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with travelling to Ajo, Ariz. each winter to escape the cold of the Pacific Northwest.
Arthur’s grandchildren include Dakota R. Burkenbine, Celeste F. Jones, Eric S. R. Burkenbine, Gabriella M. Owen, Destiny J. Pennock, Jacob B. Owen, and Clayton R. Burkenbine II.
His great-grandchildren include Theodore R. Burkenbine, Katalina R. L. Littlejohn, Elaina M. Jones, Abigail A. Jones, and Joshua R. G. Owen.
Arthur was predeceased by his parents, Reese and Nina; his spouse, Sherley; his daughter, Rebbecca; and his two sons, William and Larry. He is survived by the remaining members of his family.
Services will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Heppner on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at 1 p.m.
