Franklin Eugene Stone

CAMAS PRAIRIE - Franklin Eugene “Gene” Stone passed away August 6 from injuries that were sustained in an automobile accident.

Gene was born June 9, 1935 to George and Edna Stone in Bonner’s Ferry Idaho, the third of five children. For the first few years of his life the family lived in Moyie Springs before moving to Hot Springs in the 40’s. Gene worked as a ranch hand on Camas Prairie, delivered milk in Hot Springs, logged up the Blackfoot, was a tow truck driver for Spaulding’s Auto Salvage, a taxi cab driver in Spokane, worked on airplanes at Boeing in Seattle, and as an installer for Stromberg Carlson Telephone. Gene married his wife Margaret on July 30, 1966 in Seattle. Daughter Jeanne was born in 1967 and son Greg was born in 1968. Margaret preceded him in death on March 8, 2005. Dad said he married for life and never would remarry. In 1972 the family moved to Cheney where they bought their first house. At this time Gene worked for Cheney Telephone Company and as the college grew, Gene decided it wasn’t the place to raise his children and he moved the family to Camas Prairie in 1976. For 28 years Gene and Margaret were rural mail carriers and he lived on the Prairie until his death in 2015.

Gene was collector of everything including Harley Davidson motorcycles, magazines and catalogs, and anything with wheels. Dad always said that if he didn’t have one of something he needed it. It was hard telling what he would bring home from the auction sale.

Gene is survived by his daughter Jeanne (Bruce) Shedden, son Greg, grandsons Samuel (Cayla), Todd (Stephanie), Ben (Aletheia); granddaughter Dannie; great-grandchildren Keegan and Hadasah; brothers Lavern and George; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held September 26 at 4pm at the Camas Prairie Gym. Meat, potatoes, and drinks will be provided. Please bring your stories and a side dish to share.