Harry Douglas French, 82, of Ashton, died Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at Madison Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 16, 1930, in Lamont, Idaho, to Harry W. and Elaine (Hill) French. He later moved to Roberts, Idaho where he began his schooling. After a short time they moved back to Lamont, where he attended school and graduated from the 8th grade, getting to and from school skiing behind his dog team, of which he was very proud. He later, attended Ashton High School. He served in the engineering class, of the U.S. Marine Corps, as a PFC, during the Korean conflict.

He married Darlene Swensen on July 8, 1951, in St. Anthony, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple July 8, 1958. After their marriage they made their home at Lamont, Idaho, where they farmed and raised cattle alongside his parents. When their children were old enough to attend school, they made a second home in Marysville, Idaho during the winter months. During which time he drove logging, long haul and tanker trucks.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served a mission to Independence, Missouri, was a temple officiator in both the Idaho Falls and Rexburg LDS Temples, along with his wife, in addition to many other church callings. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler, and enjoyed many pack trips to the mountains on horse back with his family and many good friends.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene of Ashton; children, Allan Douglas French of Nampa, Darin Brett (Jeanine) French of Rigby, Ryan David French of Rexburg, Lynn Wendell (Farrah) French of Cleburne, Texas, and Connie Darlene Smith also of Cleburne; two sisters, Leona Mae Stanley of Kenai, Alaska and Charlotte (Douglas) Hillam of Ashton; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Kevin Ernest French.

Funeral services will be at 11:00am Tuesday, May 28, at the Ashton 3rd Ward Chapel with Bishop Gary Marsden officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30pm to 7:00pm Monday, May 27th at the Baxter Funeral Home in Ashton, as well as from 10:00am to 10:45am Tuesday at the church prior to services. Interment will be in Pineview Cemetery under the direction of Baxter Funeral Home.