David "Gene" Hamilton, the world's greatest husband, daddy and grandpa, of Bovill, died Friday, April 3, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 79.
Gene was born July 28, 1935, in Vardaman, Miss., to Toy and Maudie Hamilton. He grew up in Mississippi until he was 13 when the family moved to Ashland, Ore. Gene lived in Oregon, delivering newspapers; he used the money made delivering newspapers to buy his little sister, Rebecca, her very first bicycle. He lived in Oregon until he was old enough to join the military. He served two years in the National Guard before finding his calling as a Marine where he proudly served for four years. In 1956, Gene married the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Donna Deeds, and being the proud Marine it was decided they should get married on the Marine Corp birthday, Nov. 10. Together they had a son and six girls. Settling their family in Idaho in 1971, Gene worked in many trades after his time in the service, from construction, concrete, working on the railroad and spending the last of his working years at the sawmill in Juliaetta.
As a young family man Gene spent many years taking his family to Freeman Creek boating, camping and fishing off of Dworshak and also Harrison. Gene always enjoyed four wheeling and constantly had to have his tags for hunting season. He had a passion for getting firewood because nothing was better than his wood stove! He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, and would go out of his way to do whatever he could for his family. He had the biggest heart and loved every individual he met - he truly was the kindest man. Always hugs and kisses when you would see him! His warm smile and kind heart will be missed dearly.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Toy and Maudie Hamilton; son Earl Wayne; two daughters, Linda "Peachy" Ann Tipler and Paula Jean Arnett; two brothers, Avon and Harvey Hamilton; a sister, Florence Evelyn Hamilton; and a son-in-law, Peter Leras.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, at their home in Bovill; four daughters, Wanda (Dan) Brown of Kendrick, Teresa Leras of Juliaetta, Pam (Brad) Dammerman of Bovill and Brenda (Mark) Allen of Genesee; four sisters, Rebecca of Cavendish, Linda of Kendrick, Margaret Ayala of Windsor, Calif., and Darlene of Medford, Ore. Gene was blessed to have 24 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren. Plus many more family and friends! Gene's family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Spain and staff, as well as the staff at Gritman Medical Center.
Visitation will be held at Short's Funeral Chapel from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. A funeral service for Gene will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2015, at the Deary Community Bible Church, with interment following at the Bovill Cemetery with military honors. A covered dish dinner will follow back at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial in Gene's name be made to the Deary Ambulance Fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow, and online condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.
