Gene Speaks

Gene Speaks, 79, a lifelong resident of rural Fredonia, Kansas, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 2, 2009 at his home. He was born May 5, 1929 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Riley and Grace (West) Speaks. He served in the United States Army 1950-1952, where he attained the rank of corporal. Gene was a mechanic for John Deere Equipment for 15 years and for General Portland Cement for 22 years, retiring in 1992. He was also engaged in farming for many years. On September 9, 1950 in Lyndon, Kansas, he married Mary Nell Evans. She survives at their home. Though Gene was not a "joiner" of organizations, he did enjoy attending the reunions of the 5th Army Group. Survivors, in addition to his wife, Mary Nell, include: One son: David F. Speaks of Fredonia, Kansas Three sisters: Twila Evans of Wichita, Kansas Imogene Chisham of Topeka, Kansas Doris Stueve of Topeka, Kansas Two brothers: Roy Speaks of LaQuinta, California Dennis Speaks of Fredonia, Kansas Gene was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Roger Speaks; and four siblings, Wanda Engstrom, Aladean Reynolds, Lola McCarty and Don Speaks. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Timmons Funeral Home with Rev. Charlotte Coates of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. Friends may call at Timmons Funeral Home on Wednesday, 2:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M., where the family will receive friends 5:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. A memorial has been established in Gene"s name with the Old Iron Club and donations may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.