Eugene Meeks

E. Eugene "Gene" Meeks, 92, of rural Altamont, passed away the afternoon of Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at his home.

Elvin Eugene Meeks was born on May 25, 1928, to Curtis and Dorothy Faye (McClaflin) Meeks in Sharon, Kansas. As a young boy, Gene grew up and attended school in the Cherokee, Oklahoma area. In 1948, he moved with his family to rural Altamont in the area of the junction of Highways 101 and 160.

He joined the United States Army infantry and served in Anchorage, Alaska. Following his discharge from the service, Gene returned to the Altamont area where he farmed and ranched the rest of his life. Throughout the years, he worked at Continental Can in Coffeyville, Johnson Seed Company in Mound Valley, Swift and Company in Parsons. For 26 years, Gene worked at Vallis Wngroff in Cherryvale until his retirement.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Mound Valley. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing and all kinds of hunting, including deer, quail, coon, duck and coyote.

On September 16, 1950, Gene and Rita M. Sandusky were united in marriage in Dearing, Kansas. She preceded him in death on September 9, 2008.

Survivors include:

One daughter – Carol D. Meiwes and her husband, Charles, of Altamont, Kansas

Two sons – Michael L. Meeks of Altamont, Kansas

Roger A. Meeks and his wife, Jennifer, of Oswego, Kansas

Six grandchildren

Fourteen great-grandchildren

One great-great grandson

Three step-grandchildren

Five step-great-grandchildren

Three sisters – Dora Jane "Janie" Meeks of Altamont, Kansas

Ione Spencer of Altamont, Kansas

Dorothy Green of Altamont, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rita; four brothers, Lealand Meeks, Gilbert Meeks, Chancey Meeks, and Russell Meeks; one sister, Mildred Meeks; and one great-granddaughter, Kimberly Meeks.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 20, 2021, at the Mound Valley Christian Church. Burial will follow at the Mound Valley Cemetery with military honors given by Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, of Parsons. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to sign the register and view Mr. Meeks. The funeral service can be viewed live on the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home Facebook page. For all events, social distancing guidelines will be followed, including the requirement of face masks.

Memorials are suggested to The 506 Foundation, Inc. for FFA and Trap Shooting. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.