Ivan Cantrell

Ivan Earl Cantrell, 69, of Mountain Home, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 25, 2008.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m. at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Ivan was born to Earl and Ruth Cantrell in Mansfield, Mo., on June 17, 1938. At the age of 14, he moved with his family to Homedale, Idaho. He attended Homedale High School.

He served in the Army National Guard and on Feb. 18, 1957, he enlisted in the US Navy. After boot camp in San Diego, his naval career in a construction battalion took him to Africa, Spain and other European countries.

After four years in the Navy he lived in southern Idaho and eventually settled in Mountain Home.

Ivan built many homes and businesses alongside his brothers, Dale, J.C., Hugh, and their father, Earl. Ivan had a plumbing business in the Boise/Mountain Home area for over 30 years.

Ivan enjoyed countless adventures including hunting, fishing and camping alongside his brothers, his family said. He spent several years working a gold claim in Featherville, also with his brothers.

His life-long hobby was building and repairing horse-drawn wagons and carriages, a passion he shared with his brother, J.C.

A favorite part of Ivan's life was singing and playing the guitar along with his brothers, nephews and his dear friend of 45 years, Dave Baylor, of Boise.

"Ivan will be best remembered for his quick-witted humor and thousands of stories only he could tell," his family said. "He had a unique style of story telling that would keep you hanging on his every work and then leave you crying with laughter.

"Ivan was a strong, honest, generous and gently man. He was straightforward and didn't waste his time debating petty issues. He put his heart, his sole and energy into meaningful relationships and with his family and friends."

Ivan is survived by: his wife of 30 years, Bobbie; his sister, Zelma Watkins, of Springfield, Mo.; his brother, J.C., and his wife, Thelma Cantrell, of Mountain Home; his sister, Linda, and her husband, Don Tveidt, of Glenns Ferry; his brother, Hugh, and his wife, Delores Cantrell, of Parma; his sister, Beverly, and her husband, Mel Graul, of Portland, Ore.; his brother, Larry Cantrell, of Caldwell; his children, Anjanette Hartman of Boise, Clayton Cantrell of Boise, Chad Cantrell of Plains, Mont., and Connie and her husband, Steve Marcure, of Frenchtown, Mont.; two stepdaughters, Tawni Mazur of St. George, Utah, and Nicole Hamilton of Boise, and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ruth, and his brothers, Billy and Dale Cantrell.

Memorials can be made in Ivan's memory to the American Cancer Society, 2676 So. Vista Ave., Boise, ID 83705.