Charles E. "Gene" Derry 79 longtime resident of St. Maries, ID died Sept. 8, 2011 at his home at St. Maries, ID . He was born March 23, 1932 to Mark and Luella Brown Derry at Sanders, Idaho. He grew up in Emida, Idaho. Gene graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1950. Following graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a flight mechanic and was stationed in Europe, North Africa, Japan and Korea. He was discharged in 1956 and returned to St. Maries. He married June R. Smith on Oct. 18, 1956 at St. Maries. He began his career in the trucking industry when he went to work for Carney Pole Co. and delivered poles throughout the Pacific Northwest. In the late 1960's, he drove chip truck for Paffile Trucking out of Lewiston, ID. In 1973, he went to work for Jack Buell Trucking driving logging and chips truck where ever he was needed. He retired the first time in 1997. He then went to work for the St. Maries Complex of Potlatch Corp. in the Security Dept. A position he held until his second retirement in 2005. Gene enjoyed Golfing and was a member of the St. Maries Men's Golf Assn. He also enjoyed bowling and was a member of the St. Maries Men's Bowling Assn. Gene was an avid reader, especially of World War II history. In his early years he enjoyed riding motorcycles. He also enjoyed camping. Gene is survived by his wife June at the family home in St. Maries. He is also survived by daughter and son-in-law Lou and Steve Darst, sons and daughters-in-law Peter and Terrie Derry and Charlie and Tawnalea Derry all of St. Maries, and daughter Rosemary Dack of Fakenham, England. Also surviving are brothers and their wives Butch and Stella Derry, Larry and Sharon Derry all of St. Maries and Paul and Doris Derry of Coeur d' Alene, ID. Gene is also survived by sisters Barbara Sperber and Ila Kibbie both of St. Maries and Marketa Apperson of Corvallis, MT. There are 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren also surviving as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gene's family suggests memorials in his honor be made to Hospice of Benewah Co. 702 College Ave., St. Maries, ID 83861 Services are pending.
