Gene L. Saul, 75, of Seneca, a former Baker County resident, died April 10, 2007, at his home surrounded by family.
There was a celebration of his life on April 14 at Driskill Memorial Chapel in John Day. Pastor Daniel Wiese of the John Day Nazarene Church officiated.
Gene was born on Jan. 8, 1932, at Homedale, Idaho, to William and Katie Sweep Saul. One of eight children, Gene had two brothers and five sisters. He was raised in Baker County where he broke wild horses and did ranch work.
Gene married Betty Jean Zemmer on April 28, 1951, at Baker City. They lived in and around Baker County where Gene did ranch work and mill work. Together Gene and Betty raised five children.
In the early 1960s, the couple moved to Bates where Gene worked in the dry kilns and drove school bus from Bates to Prairie City for five years. In the fall of 1975 they moved to Prairie City and continued to work for John Day Lumber Co.
In 1982 they moved to Seneca. Gene retired from Grant Western Lumber Co. in 1994. He enjoyed hunting and woodworking.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Jean Saul of Seneca; his mother, Katie; sons, Rick and Randy Saul; daughters, Cindy Combs, Jody Harrig and Ginger Flippence; one brother; three sisters; 10 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren and one on the way; there are 50 members of his family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Hospice, the American Cancer Society or the charity or one’s choice through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, May 3, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor