Gene Alden Drop

He was born in Centralia, WA and grew up in his family’s home on Oakland Avenue and spent his days helping with farming life and roaming the Chehalis River Bank. In March of 1965 he married Elizabeth (Libby) Lott in Centralia, WA. With the exception of two years Gene lived his whole life on Oakland Avenue.

He attended Centralia Schools and started his own excavating business which was named Country Boy Dozing. The company logo was a barefoot hillbilly wearing overalls and chewing on a piece of hay. This logo became a trademark not only for his company but his way of life.

Being a simple man he bought his first and only new car in 1969. A black Chevy Chevelle, still parked in his garage and restored, it was one of his prized possessions. He also enjoyed taking his 1955 Bel Air for drives around town and spent time sharing both at local car shows.

Being a true original he was just as tickled to take his Model A pickup out as often as he could.

His dream was to build a small cabin in the woods, which had kept him busy these last years . While in season he picked wild blackberries for his pie contribution at family gatherings during the holidays.

He made others smile with his witty sense of humor and his need to give others a hard time made you feel welcome in his presence.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Libby) Drop, May 2000, brother Larry Drop, November 1967, father Steve Drop, November 1999, and mother Virginia Drop, December 2002.

Gene is survived by his son, David Drop of Centralia, his daughter Marnie Drop of Olympia and grandson Devon Drop of Centralia, brothers Dale Drop and Keith Drop of Centralia, sisters Myrna Platte of Spokane and Jeanette Drop of Olympia and numerous nieces and nephews.

You say you are having trouble figuring me, I don’t believe I’m such a mystery, what you get is what you see I am a simple man.

A gathering will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday March 1, 2014 at the Laufenberg residence, 205 Bryden Avenue, Centralia, WA.