WW II Veteran and Colleague

Today I attended the funeral of a man who was part of the Greatest Generation. Although I haven't been at the museum long, I had the pleasure of eating lunch with this hero the Monday before he died. There are few things more moving than TAPS and the three-volley salute.

Gurney Allen Pyne, Jr. 1924 – 2012 Services for Gurney Allen Pyne, Jr. of McMinnville will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at the Tigard Church of God, 15670 SW 98th. He will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Viewing will be Mon, April 16th and Tues, April 17th from 4:00-7:00 pm at Chapel of Macy and Son. Gurney Allen was born June 28, 1924 in Eden, Idaho to Gurney Allen Pyne, Sr and Margaret Lucille (Foote) Pyne. He grew up in Southern Idaho. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and bravely and proudly served his country for four years during WWII. In 1945 he married Marion McDowell and they had one son, Larry in 1947. They later divorced. On June 18, 1955 he married Gladys King in Centralia, WA and they lived in Portland. They had three chosen children. In 1968 the family moved to Dayton, Oregon and lived in Yamhill County most of the years since. Gurney Allen began working for Union Pacific Railroad in 1952 as a brakeman. He retired in 1985 as a through Freight Conductor. Following retirement he worked various jobs, including driving school bus for Dayton and as a Security Guard. For ten years Gurney Allen and Gladys traveled to Quartzsite, AZ for the winter. While in Quartzsite he became involved in working with rocks and making jewelry. During their married life they traveled the country extensively and made friends wherever they went. Gurney Allen is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gladys. He is also survived by three sons and one daughter; Larry of Lewiston, ID, Harold and Michelle of California and Sam of McMinnville; nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; a brother John of Longview WA and a sister Peggy (Bob) Nelson of Redmond, OR. He is also survived by four sister-in-laws who are like sisters. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, four siblings and four sister-in-laws. Gurney Allen was a lifetime member of VFW Post 10626 and volunteered at Evergreen Air and Space Museum for 10 years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ignite Ministries of the Tigard Church of God in care of Macy & Son. To leave private online condolences, please visit www.macyandson.com.