Marvin V. Casebeer, 96, died Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at his home in Prairie City, Oregon. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2014, at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 12 noon at the Heppner Elks Lodge, with a reception and meal at the lodge immediately following the memorial.

He was born on April 13, 1918, at Sand Hollow, near Heppner, the son of Alvin and Prudy Holcomb Casebeer. After attending several schools he graduated from Heppner High School.

Sometime after graduation he owned a bus route throughout Eastern Oregon. He drove the route until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1942. He bravely served under General George S. Patton in the African-European theater during World War II.

After returning home he married and raised a family. In the late fifties he met Ruth Ann Bovard and they were married at Heppner on July 1, 1958. They lived happily for 55 years until her death in 2013.

Marvin worked in the logging industry doing various jobs both in Heppner and Bates, Oregon.

He was very involved and loved his community, volunteering in various organizations. He served as a city commissioner, and was involved in Community Connections and Northeast Oregon Housing Authority for 20-plus years. He led the Senior Citizens program in Prairie City up to the time of his death. Marvin was a lifelong member of both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an active member of the Heppner BPOE #358 for 69 years.

He leaves a daughter, Kathy Thompson and her husband David; sisters Alvina and Joyce; grandchildren and spouses Lori and Michael, and Matthew and Rebecca; great-grandchildren Kala, Shane, Skyla, Harley, Miranda, Christian, Adam, Michael and McKinzie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann; his only son, Marvin Casebeer; and a sister, Gladys.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Prairie City Senior Citizens Program, P.O. Box 873, Prairie City, OR 97869.

Sweeney Mortuary of Heppner is in care of arrangements.