Eugene Tully Fleming, died in Ulysses, Kansas on August 1, 2012 at the age of 97. He was a resident of Ulysses since 1958.
Gene was born in Spearville, Kansas on April 9, 1915 to Annie F. Tully and William B. Fleming. He was the second of eleven children. During high school, Gene worked at a local dairy until graduation. Prior to World War II, Gene worked as a book keeper at Fairmont Dairy in Dodge City, Kansas and for the Conservation Corps in Minnesota.
During World War II, Gene was a civilian employee at a military installation near San Diego. Following the war, Gene returned to Spearville, Kansas where he and his long time friend, Tony Herzog, owned and operated several businesses. Gene met Saidee M. Biddle and the two were married October 31, 1953.
Gene then trained to become a mortician and in 1958, he and Saidee came to Ulysses from Trinidad, Colorado. He was employed by Phillips Furniture and Phillips Mortuary. Sadly, Saidee passed away on May 22, 1959. Gene married Hazel L. Gordon on January 4, 1964. He continued to work part time at the mortuary for many years. Gene and Hazel were married 32 years before Hazel died March 24, 1996.
Gene was an active member of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church. He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Ulysses Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. His interests included gardening, birds, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Gene always loved and generously supported his family. He was well liked and thought of very highly throughout the community. He had friends of all ages and all walks of life.
Gene is survived by stepdaughter, Louise Villalobos (Garland, Nebraska); stepdaughter-in-law, Sondra Gordon (Wichita, Kansas); sisters, Marcella Weide (Topeka, Kansas) and Irma Lee Newby (Garden City, Kansas); step grandchildren, Dan Gordon, Janelle Bean, Laura and Victor Flowers, and Jason Villalobos; step great-grandchildren, Lauren Bean, Kirsten Bean, Molly Flowers, Mattie Flowers, and Cade Flowers; and Gene’s many nieces and nephews.
Gene is preceded in death by stepson, Richard Gordon; brothers, William Fleming, James Fleming, Robert Fleming, and Larry Fleming; sisters, Celeste Helfrich, Neva May, Nelda Holderness, and Kathleen Redburn.
The family would like to extend a very warm and heartfelt appreciation to Rich Fleming and Dave and Doris Waldron for their kindness and care.
Vigil and rosary service will be held Friday, August 3, 2012 at 7:00 PM and funeral mass will be held Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, Kansas with Reverend Peter Fernandez officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. Friends may call Friday, August 3, 2012 from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grant County Senior Center or donor’s choice in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880