Eugene L. Driggs, 78

Eugene L. Driggs, 78, of Sagle, Idaho, passed away from complications from a fall on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at Bonner General Hospital with his family at his side.

Eugene Lee “Gene” Driggs was born May 8, 1931, in Alta Vista, Kan., to Bruce and Mary Groppe Driggs. His family arrived in Sandpoint the last day of February 1935. He always said they blew out of Kansas with the dust.

He attended Farmin grade school, spent a year at Immaculate Heart Academy in Coeur d’Alene, a year at Priest River prior to graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1949. He spent two years in the Army during the Korean War, all stateside. Upon returning from his military service he enrolled at the University of Idaho where he spent a year and a half. On June 2, 1958, he married Lasean Boothe in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Among his various occupations were farming, logging, cement truck driver, carpenter, laborer, owner of Big Dipper Backhoe, and miner.

He was an active member of the local council Knights of Columbus since 1949, serving as grand knight, district deputy, and attending many state conventions. He was member of the Legion of Mary where he held office and was also a member of the American Legion.

He and Lasean had four children: Mary Frances Burns Mikel, Donna Devryn Short, Charles Eugene and Patrick Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Virgil, LaVern, Claire, Leland I and a sister Patricia Chavez.

He is survived by his beloved wife, four children, 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; brothers, Leland II and Lorenzo; and sisters, Teresa Thacker, Nellie Nielsen, and Rita Stach.

 A Rosary for Gene will be recited 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, also at the church with Father Dennis C. Day, officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. in Pinecrest Memorial Park, with military rites by the Bonner County area veterans.

The family requests donations be given to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church building fund.

Family and friends are invited to sign Gene’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.