John Richard Eilmes, 82, of Post Falls, passed away Oct. 19, 2011. John was born March 27, 1929, in Spokane, to Emil and Velma (Monk) Eilmes.

He and his younger brother Don grew up in Spokane fishing, exploring and riding their bicycles all over the South Hill, and to Liberty Lake and back.

At the age of 17, John left high school with his Dad’s permission and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in World War II, stationed in the South Pacific as a Seabee. After his discharge, he returned to North Central High School in Spokane fulfilling his promise to his parent’s, graduating in 1949. John went to work for Boeing.

In 1957, he went to work for General Telephone in Coeur d’Alene in the engineering department. He transferred to Wenatchee, Wash., where he met and married his wife, Ann. John served as area manager for General Telephone in Davenport, Wash., Medical Lake, Wash., Kellogg-Wallace and later as credit manager for General Telephone in Coeur d’Alene, retiring in 1984. John bought Flowers by Paul, in Post Falls, in 1985 and made it into a family business. He worked with his daughter Connie and her children until his retirement in 2008 when she took over the business.

He was a graduate of Eastern Washington University, former board member of the Post Falls Chamber. John also served every office with the Post Falls Kiwanis Club and was a board member and past president of the Consumer Credit Association of Idaho.

He survived by his wife Ann of 52 years, brother Don Eilmes of Escondido, Calif., son Steve Eilmes and grandchildren Erik, Caitlin, and Meghan of Hayden, daughter Connie King and grandchildren, Amanda, Ryan, Anthony, Christopher, Dominic, Maria-Genevieve and Peter King of Post Falls. A special son-in-law David King and many, many friends. We will miss you Boppie!

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Road, Medical Lake. Please sign John’s guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com. English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, has been entrusted with the final arrangements.

Contributions can be made to KYRO ice rink, P.O. Box 491, Post Falls, ID 83877.