Gene Hess, 79

Gene Hess, 79, passed away on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, at the Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel with military honors.

Gene was born on Oct. 29, 1928, in Enid, Okla.,, the son of Peter and Lela Hess.

He grew up in the Telluride, Colo., area and attended local schools. At an early age, Gene joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country for over 21 years, retiring in 1971.

Gene met and married Helen Simmons in California on Oct. 10, 1952, and together they traveled during his many duty assignments.

His hobbies included fishing, gardening and traveling, as well as spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his sons, Jim Hess of St. Maries, Idaho, Don Hess of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and John (Lisa) Hess of Coeur d'Alene; his grandchildren, Brandy Williams, Michelle Hess, Brian Hess and Aaron Hess; a great-grandchild, Tyson Womack; and a brother, Leslie "Buck" Hess.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Lela; wife, Helen; 11 brothers and sisters; and grandchild, Mark Hess.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Gene's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.