Obituary: Orval W. LaBorde

Orval W. LaBorde
Nov. 8, 1922~Dec. 27, 2008
Well-known Meeker resident, Orval W. LaBorde, 86, died peacefully in the presence of family members in the early morning of Dec. 27, 2008, at Pioneers Medical Center in Meeker.
Orval William LaBorde was born in Hugo, Colo., Nov. 8, 1922, the son of Charles and Mary (Johnson) LaBorde. Following his high school graduation Orval enlisted with the United States Marine Corps, serving his country proudly and valiantly in some of the fiercest fighting of World War II in the Pacific theater. Orval’s unit received an unprecedented four Presidential Unit Citations during that time.
On June 21, 1947, Orval was united in marriage to Margaret June Guenther in Olmstead Falls, Ohio. The family made their home in the Denver area until moving to Meeker in 1973 where they operated a gas station on the western edge of town. Later, Orval became the janitor at the junior high where he worked until his retirement.
Orval was a poet at heart, even from an early age. He often wrote poems to troubled youngsters at the junior high encouraging them to change their paths. He shared his poetry with those he met and never knew a stranger. Orval was well known for his pointed letters to the editor and was unashamed to discuss his concern for his country and his fellow man. Orval was an active member of the Rio Blanco County Historical Society and V.F.W. Post No. 5843 where he faithfully assisted with countless military funeral honors throughout the years.
Orval enjoyed woodworking and loved to surprise people with his handiwork. It would be difficult to find a more quiet and unassuming man than Orval LaBorde. His love for his Lord and Savior, his family and his country will never be forgotten.
Orval is survived by two daughters; Karen LaBonte and her husband Gerald of Meeker, June Maschino and her husband John of Tennessee, two sons; George LaBorde and his wife Marla of California and Terry LaBorde of Texas, his grandchildren; Jonathan Myrick, Michelle Cato, Bruce Hale, Bethany LaBonte, Sarah LaBorde, Briana White, Joshua LaBorde, Jessica LaBorde, and Mason LaBorde and his great-grandchildren; Colby, Bonnie Grace, Madilyn, Cidney, Wilson and Savanna.
His wife, Margaret, has preceded him in death, as have his parents, six of his seven siblings and one granddaughter Bonnie Leigh Hale.
A memorial service for Orval will be held Friday, March 27, 2009. He will be interred in the Highland Cemetery and afforded the full military honors that befit his bravery and service to his country.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rio Blanco County Historical Society through Cochran Memorial Chapel which has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.