Eugene (Gene) Allen Wasson, 74

Eugene (Gene) Allen Wasson passed away Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 74.

Gene was born Nov. 17, 1936, in Edgemont, S.D., to Ernest and Nellie Wasson. He graduated high school in Pavillion, Wyo., and served on the U.S.S. Walter B. Cobb as an electrician in the U.S. Navy.

Gene graduated from Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, S.D., in 1961 and taught high school in Moses Lake, Wash. He returned to Wyoming to work in uranium mining. His later career included gold mining in Helena, Mont., transportation supervisor at Bunker Hill Mine and electrician at Sunshine Mine. He also worked at The Coeur d'Alene Resort, Riley Creek Lumber, Silverwood Theme Park and Design Events.

Gene was active with Habitat for Humanity with his wife and helped to build several homes in the Coeur d'Alene area.

In his younger years Gene loved to hunt and fish with his dad and uncle in Wyoming. He also liked working on cars and all things mechanical. He spent much of his retired years travelling with his wife, working in his yard, and spoiling his grandchildren and dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Lorna; daughters Traci (Sam), Laura (Scott), Karri (Jeff), Kelli (Ty); sons Mark (Kelly) and Mitch (Tammy); and grandchildren Sam, Ben, Nicholas, Markey, Ethan, Lauren, Seth, Bennett and Paige.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jerry and Jim, and niece Jana Wasson. His schnauzer Harley is also waiting on the other side.

No services will be held per his wishes. Please visit Gene's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

Gene died on Alzheimer's Action Day. Please take five minutes and learn a little more about this disease in his memory.