Elmer Gann

Elmer “Gene” Eugene Gann, 92, of Independence Kansas passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Medicalodges in Independence, Kansas. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. Memorials in Gene’s honor may be made to AWOL and left with the chapel.

Gene was born July 9, 1926 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Elmer F. and Elsie (Steinke) Gann. Gene attended school in St. Joseph, Missouri and Gentry, Arkansas. Before graduating high school, Gene was drafted into the United States Army serving in Japan during WWII. After his discharge from the Army, Gene returned to Arkansas where he finished his education graduating from high school. Gene helped his grandfather on his farm while working for a grocery store in Gentry, Arkansas and eventually bought his own 40-acre farm next to his grandfathers. Gene married Doris Arlene Davidson on September 7, 1951 in Gentry, Arkansas and the couple made their home on the farm. Gene’s new bride, a city girl, decided the farm life wasn’t for her and the couple moved to Independence, Kansas in 1953. In Independence, Gene was employed by A&P Grocery Store for 18 years until the close of the business and then became employed by Funks-John Deere in Coffeyville for until his retirement. At age 65, following his retirement from John Deere, Gene helped Doris with the Meals on Wheels Program delivering meals and drove the bus for the senior citizens shopping trips. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family.

Gene was preceded in death by four siblings, Charles Gann, Jerry Gann, William Gann and Norma Cox, and his loving wife of 58 years Doris, one daughter, Kathy and husband Steve Jimmerson.  Those left to cherish his memory include two sons, Charles Lee and wife Laurie Gann, Belvue, Kansas, David and wife Linda Gann, Independence, Kansas, eight grandchildren, Suzi Beth Gann, Sarah Degehhardt, Leslie Coffee-Gallagher, Jason Gann, Carrie Grossman, Halli Brown, Amanda Gann, Josh Gann, and many great-grandchildren. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.