Lewiston Morning Tribune - November 12, 1996
Elmer J. Stalnaker, 97, retired carpenter
Elmer James Stalnaker, 97, a retired carpenter and Ahsahka, Idaho, native, died Sunday at the Valley Rehabilitation and Living Center at Lewiston of causes related to age.
The son of James Asbury (Doc) and Leann Daniels Stalnaker, he was born Sept. 21, 1899, at Ahsahka, where he was raised and attended school.
He was his parents' youngest son and took care of them until they died.
He cooked for a Civilian Conservation Corps camp at Headquarters.
He also worked for the Carney Pole Co. at Ahsahka.
He married Lillian Kight in 1933 at Lewiston.
The couple moved to the homestead belonging to her uncles, Bert and Jim Roup on the Snake River near Crouse Creek in Asotin County. In 1945 they moved to Asotin, where they drove school buses for the Asotin School District and owned and operated the Asotin Cafe.
The couple divorced in 1946.
He returned to the Clearwater area, where he did carpentry work and worked at a shake mill. He lived at Kooskia, Kamiah, Orofino and Riverside during this time. He returned to Ahsahka and then to Lewiston in 1988.
He enjoyed gold mining and gardening.
He also liked to visit and talk with people and spend time with his dogs.
Survivors include two daughters, LaDoris Brandt of Clarkston and Alice Fay Hawkins of Myrtle Creek, Ore., seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Five brothers and three sisters died previously.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mountain View Funeral Home at Lewiston with the Rev. Jim Higgins of the Grace Lutheran Church officiating. Cremation will take place.
Transcribed by Jo Frederiksen