Paul Eldridge, 87, of Rathdrum, Idaho, went home to be with his Lord on Aug. 20, 2024, surrounded by family.

   Paul was born in Durango, Colorado, on March 27, 1937, to Fred and Mable (Potter) Eldridge. In 1944 the family moved to Marblemount, Washington. He graduated from Concrete High School in 1957. He married Virginia, (Virgie) Christensen in 1958.

   He started working at Peterson’s gas station in high school until he moved on to his life’s work of driving log truck into his 70s. Paul was a hard worker and supplemented his wages with jobs, including cutting firewood, sawing shakes, and haying.

   His leisure time was spent playing his guitar with grandkids and friends. He also enjoyed farming, tractor work that included teaching the kids and grandkids how to drive it, and hay. Camping with family and friends was a special pleasure. He was always ready to help a neighbor in need.

   He was a member of The American Sunday School Union in Marblemount and Community Bible Church of Concrete.

   Survivors include his wife, Virgie, in Rathdrum; his children, Bonnie Wagner (Doug), of Concrete, Robert (Barbara) Eldridge, of Gladewater, Texas, Douglas (Michelle) Eldridge, of Mt. Vernon, Diana Berryman (Patrick), of Mount Vernon, and Kelly Eldridge (Amanda), of Camas, Washington; grandchildren Wade Eldridge ( Elizabeth), Stefan Berryman, Taylor Weaver (Jeff), Aleah Boore (Aaron), Erin Novello ( Nick), Amber Eldridge, and Britney Berryman; great-grandchildren Abigail Eldridge and Grayson Weaver; step-great-grandsons Tristan, Calvin, and Hendricks Blake; brother Don Eldridge Jr.; sister Hazel Gorman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   His siblings Lester, Chester, Bob, and Raymond Eldridge, and Doris Rathvon preceded him in death.

   A Celebration of Life will be held on Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. at Community Bible Church, 45672 Limestone St., Concrete, Washington.