Lee Elmer Carney, 98

It is rumored that, when Lee Carney was born, he arrived with "to do" lists in his little hands... not only for himself, but for those around him. He arrived with a penchant for occupying oneself with worthwhile projects; and it identified him throughout his life.

Lee was born May 25, 1912, to Essie (Alien) Carney and David L. Carney in Marion County, Kan. He lived, attended school and worked in that area most of his growing-up years. Since he had a vehicle, he began to offer transportation to a young lady in the area. Appreciation blossomed into romance and on Dec. 27, 1930, Lee and Donna Winnetta Kepner were joined in marriage

In 1935, Lee moved his family to Twin Falls, where he started a lumber yard business. Though the business did well, Lee began to sense a call to ministry so, he sold the lumber yard and moved his family to Portland, Ore., where he completed a three-year course in two years to receive his Ministerial degree. The family moved back to Twin Falls where Lee pastured a church in Eden and later, a church in Twin Falls.

In 1963, Lee and Donna moved to Stanwood, Wash., where, for about 15 years, he was employed by Rand Construction, building churches in surrounding areas. In 1975, Lee and his wife moved to Hayden. From that location, he worked in residential home construction in addition to pasturing the Lincoln Heights Church of God in Spokane, Wash., and serving as Chaplain at the Kootenai County jail in Coeur d'Alene. He also loved to travel so he managed to work in several trips abroad during this time.

Lee's wife, Donna, passed away in 2008 and in May 2009, Lee took Jeanne Justus as his bride in a lovely ceremony at Wellspring Meadows in Hayden. At this residence he lived out his remaining years, gardening on the grounds and satisfying his passion for sharing the Scriptures by conducting Bible Studies at Wellspring Meadows twice each week.

Pastor Carney was preceded in death by his first-born infant son, Elden Lee and his siblings, Charlie, Mabel, Mary, Dorothy and James.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jeanne, Lee is survived by one brother, Roy, and wife Reta of Eagle Point, Ore.; sons, Wayne (Bonnie) of Toutle, Wash., Lloyd (Glennis) of Ellensburg, Wash., and Jim (Bea) of Cusick, Wash.; 12 grandchildren and numerous beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, followed by funeral service at 1 p.m. with graveside service to follow at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is in charge of the final arrangements.

Please visit Lee's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.