Marion L. "Chub" Stamper

Marion L. “Chub” Stamper died in the early morning of March 2, 2015, at the ICU of Walla Walla General Hospital at the age of 99 from complications of congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

A lifelong resident and farmer of the Walla Walla area, he was born to Ada Edell Stamper and Alfeus (Doc) Andrew Stamper of Umapine. Marion was delivered at home in Umatilla County on Dec. 31, 1915, on a ranch just outside Dry Creek. He was one of four children. At the age of 7 Marion’s father passed away due to illness, and at age 9 he lost his mother due to a tragic car accident. Marion and his siblings were separated and taken in by different community members.

Marion at a very young age learned the disciplines of hard work and a hard life, being taken in by a few different ranch owners during his time of grief before being taken in by the Key family of Umapine. There he worked for room and board until age 21. Marion attended grade schools in Umapine, Athena and Weston.

He later joined the U.S. Army in Dec. 27, 1940, and served in combat in WWII with G Company of the 17th Infantry in the Aleutian Islands, Marshall Islands, Southern Philippines, Ryukyus, and among the first waves on Okinawa. He received an honorable discharge on July 28, 1945, with a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Campaign Medal, Purple Heart and numerous other medals. Marion returned to farm work in the area after the war.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Agnes Maxim; and brothers, Leon and Francis Stamper. Marion is survived by Darrell Stamper, Cheri Gjesvold, Ken Maxim, Suzanna Berg and family.

Funeral service will be Friday, March 20, 2015, 4 p.m., at Herring Grosesclose Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Banner Bank Chub Stamper/Marion Stamper Memorial Fund through the Herring Funeral Home.