Gene J. Jacks

Gene J. Jacks died January 13, 2016 at Home Again Senior Living in Haviland. Gene was born in Mt. Vernon, Texas on January 30, 1934 to Herman and Lucille (Hickman) Jacks. He is survived by his wife, Charlene; children Tony (Debi), Gary, and Shelli (Craig) Kadel; grandchildren Brian, Britt, Bartholomew, Lauren, Aubrey, Cinnamon, Danna, and Jasper; great grandchildren Cheyenne, Titus, Thaddeus, and Naomi; sisters Kay Chavez, Bonnie Jacks, and Connie (Gary) Young and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Doug. Gene moved with his parents to Haviland when he was about two years old and attended Haviland Grade School, Friends Haviland Academy, and Salt City Business College in Hutchinson. Gene married Charlene Pitts on June 6, 1954 and they soon began their family. With his father and cousins he built the house in which Charlene still resides. His parents established the grocery store which was eventually passed on to Gene. After forty years of business, he sold the grocery store in ’83 and started Gene’s Service which provided heating & air and plumbing services. He was an active member in the Haviland Friends Church, loved ushering, and served on several committees. He held positions on several boards including Kiowa County Memorial Hospital and the Iroquois Center for Human Development. He was also active in Greensburg Rotary and Gideons International. Gene got the most joy from interacting with people, telling stories & jokes, and sharing his faith. He was especially drawn to lend a helping hand to those in need of encouragement. He loved serving his community as a volunteer fireman, made appearances as Santa, and was a regular blood donor – proudly showing off his 7 gallon pin. He also loved to collect things which included mugs, pens, and hats from the many places he visited while serving volunteer organizations. Thank you for being a part of Gene’s life. Memorial Service and celebration of Gene’s life will be held on Sat. Jan. 16 at 10 am, Haviland Friends Church. Visitation 5:00-7:00 pm Friday at the Youthroom (NW of church). Memorials may be made to Home Again Senior Living and Gideons International in care of Fleener Funeral Home, 514 S. Main, Greensburg, KS 67054.