Eugene “Gene” P. Despaw, 89, a proud veteran of the Army passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2023, in Longview, Texas surrounded by loved ones after a short battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Beulah Despaw, his lovely wife of 30 years, Bonnie Despaw; siblings Dale, Wayne, Stanley Jr., Beverly, and Janet. He is survived by two daughters, Melanie Baker and husband Gary of Longview, Texas; Nicole Young of Branson, Missouri; brother Allen Despaw, Sr. of Wolcott, New York; step-daughters Carrie Johnson of Springfield, Missouri; Brenda West and husband David of Coffeyville, Kansas; Kathy Pitts and husband Chuck of Coffeyville, Kansas; companion Brenda Hamm of Trenton, North Carolina; his three fur babies Tracy, Miracle, Momma; 23 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
At the age of 17, Gene enlisted in the Army and then again in 1955. He valued his service and attained the rank of Corporal. After his military service, he ran big equipment, worked in the coal mines, was a mechanic and then he became an on the road truck driver for approximately 30 years. After retiring from being a truck driver, worked at Thompson Brothers in Coffeyville until his retirement.
Gene was known for his great guitar playing and was in several country bands. He loved singing and playing music with his family, watching WWE wrestling and the good ole westerns. He was always tinkering on cars or lawn mowers.
Graveside services will be on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Spring Hill Cemetery north of Coffeyville, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or a pet rescue of your choice; contributions may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
