LaMar 'Umpy' Umphrey

ST. IGNATIUS — Orval LaMar Umphrey died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005.

He was born May 12, 1925, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Joseph F. Umphrey and Bessie Marie Ard.

LaMar was raised on a dryland farm in Canyon Creek, Idaho, near Rexburg. He drove truck all his life. He bought his first truck when he was 15 years old — a 1935 Chevy. For the next three years he hauled coal and grain out of Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

He ran this business until he was drafted into World War II. "I knew they'd let me know when they needed me," he remembered. After boot camp he volunteered for the Army Air Corps. He was stationed in England where he was a tail gunner on B-17s, flying missions over Germany.

In 1949, he married Elda Westover and for the next five years they lived different places along the Montana Hi-Line as LaMar followed highway construction jobs.

In 1955, he came to the Mission Valley to build Highway 93 over Ravalli Hill. After that project the construction company left, but LaMar and Elda were expecting a new baby so they stayed in St. Ignatius.

They remained in the valley for the next five decades. LaMar worked in the logging business until his retirement. He drove for Lyman Claridge for eight years, and then worked for Leonard Pierce, Luke Trahan, Tom Wheeler, Ray Cooper and Richard Burtch.After he retired, LaMar dedicated his time to yard work and gardening at his home along Mission Creek.

LaMar was preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters and by his sons Eddie and Eldon.

He is survived by his sister, Nita Bainbridge, and his children, Faye (Larry) Garlock of Bountiful, Utah, Michael (Valerie) of St. Ignatius, Laura Hauck of Bountiful, John (Coreen) Umphrey of Polson, Kenneth Umphrey of Reno, Nev., and Jim (Jessica) of St. Ignatius.

He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held Feb. 21 at the St. Ignatius Latter-day Saints Church.