Gene Grimes, 81

Gene Grimes, 81, passed away on March 19, 2015, at Hospice House in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, following a 20-year battle with cancer.

Robert Gene Grimes was born on Aug. 7, 1933, at Southmayd, Texas, to J.T. and Margarett (Maxwell) Grimes. He attended grade school and high school in Texas.

Gene served in the Army and the Navy during the Korean War. Following his service, Gene attended and graduated from California Christian College in 1976 with a B.S. in Pastoral Training. Gene ministered the gospel of Jesus for the next 40 years, including 12 years in Alaska.

Last year, Gene moved to Plummer, Idaho, to marry Rita Kidder on April 26, 2014. For health reasons, he moved to the care center in Post Falls, Idaho, late in 2014. He went home to be with his Lord on March 19, 2015.

Gene loved to sing and play religious music on his guitar. He wrote and recorded several songs during his career.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James Grimes, sister Kathryn Weinberger, and spouse Mary Virginia Clifton Grimes. Gene is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Whitmore; three sons: Danny Farley, Ronnie Grimes and Gary Grimes, all of Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at the Plummer Assembly of God Church. His cremains will be placed at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake, Wash.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Union Gospel Mission.

Kramer Funeral Home of Tekoa, Wash., handled the local arrangements.