Mulford Eugene “Gene” Gentry, 86, departed this life on February 3, 2024, after a battle with Parkinsons and a stroke, surrounded and comforted by his family. Gene entered the world on November 8, 1937, in Pittsburg, Kansas, one of five children between Mulford and Evelyn (Elston) Gentry. He was their only son. In the early 1940s, the family planted roots inLawrence, Kansas. Gene relished growing up in North Lawrence, graduating from Lawrence High in 1956.In 1960, Gene was drafted into the US Army and spent two years traveling the world before returning to Lawrence. He worked for Rusty’s IGA for several years before finishing his career at Dillon’s, where he was the head of several different departments over the years. He was proud of his long career in the grocery business and retired after 47 years.
Gene was united in marriage to his beloved Margie on July 19 th , 1959. Their 65-year union welcomed two daughters, four grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. “Pop” enjoyed attending every ballgame, play, and dance recital he could, and took special pride in recording player stats during his grandsons’ games throughout the years.
An avid bowler, Gene played league for several years, acquiring many trophies he proudly displayed. He also enjoyed his outings with the guys from work to the casinos where he especially liked trying his luck with the slot machines. He was a bit of a homebody and was not much for travel, but he took special pride in keeping his lawn and home in good condition, spending hours outdoors mowing, trimming, painting and talking to neighbors over the fence.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Dottie Coffman and Sue Gibbons. He is survived by his wife, Margie, of the home; two daughters Lori Moon (Michael) of Osawatomie and Marcie Hadl (Darin) of Eudora; four grandchildren, Amanda Lewis (Clifton) and Samantha Moon of Osawatomie, Tyler Hadl (Nadia) of Lansing, and Randy Hadl of Tonganoxie; and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Gray of Topeka, Ks and Janie Daniel (Harold) of Lawrence, and numerous nieces and nephews.
There is a correction to the Lawrence Journal World announcement on February 6th: Funeral services for Mulford Eugene Gentry will take place at 10:00am on Friday, February 9th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will take place the night before, on Thursday, February 8th from 6:00-8:00pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
