Feb. 12, 1925-Feb. 22, 2006
Dean Morehead, 81, of La Grande died on Feb. 22, 2006 in San Diego, Calif., following a series of strokes.
He was born on Feb. 12, 1925 in La Grande to Lester and Mildred Morehead.
He attended Greenwood Elementary and La Grande High school where he played trombone, sang in the choir and served as student body officer.
After graduating from high school in 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy V12 program, where he earned an aerospace engineering degree from MIT.
During World War II, he served as a P38 pilot and lieutenant junior grade.
After honorable discharge, he worked for Boeing at Cape Canaveral for several years before moving to Seattle where he was in charge of security and fire protection for all of Boeing’s worldwide properties. His final job was plant manager in California where he also was executive pilot.
After retirement, he lived in Seattle and returned to La Grande in 2000.
He was married to Yolanda Allen of La Grande for several years.
Mr. Morehead was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in La Grande.
He also was an active member of the American Legion. He was an avid pilot and founding member of the Old Bold Pilot’s Association. He owned a historic V-tail Bonanza for several years.
Mr. Morehead is survived by a son, Mark Morehead of Beaverton, and his former wife and close friend, Yolanda Fleet of Escondido, Calif. Cousin Edna Garber of Sweet Home also survives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lyle, who was killed in World War II; sister, Mildred; and son, Alan.
Private burial was in the family plot in Sweet Home.
Memorials may be made to the Faith Lutheran Church in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande, OR 97850.