John O. Creason died on June 19, 2017 at his home in Irrigon at the age of 96.
He was born on Feb. 17, 1921 in Jennings, Okla. to Otha Abraham and Mary Alice Brannan Creason.
He was raised in California and then went to work for the railroad, loading and unloading box cars. He enlisted in the United States Army and served during World War II until his honorable discharge. He was united in marriage to Barbara L. Gilliatt on Aug. 1, 1952 in Las Vegas, Nev. He worked as a welder and heavy equipment operator before moving to Aumsville in 1965 and purchasing J & W Market. He and Barbara moved to Irrigon in 1979, and he worked for the Irrigon Irrigation District for several years. He and Barbara were two of the founding members of Columbia View Community Church in Irrigon. He enjoyed playing guitar, grocery shopping and watching car racing.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Barbara Creason, Irrigon; daughters: Anita Messenger, Bismarck, Ark., Leslie Kay Huffaker, San Simon, Ariz., Deborah Lee Manning, Altus, Okla., and Audrey E. Rhine, Bismarck, Ark.; son, John D. Creason, Irrigon; brothers, Lanny H. Creason, Victorville, Calif. and Donald R. Creason, Hesperia, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wendell and Lymis Creason; and sisters, Helen Safley and Kathryne Brosky.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Columbia View Community Church, 1240 East Highway 730, Irrigon.
Burial will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Irrigon.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
