Gene Coen, age 54, of Elkhart, Kansas died Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kansas. He was born May 19, 1958 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Kelvin and Geraldine (Meredith) Coen.

Gene grew up in Elkhart and was a graduate of Elkhart High School. He also graduated from Liberal Area Vo-Tech where he studied Automotive Repair. Gene was previously employed by Chaparral Energy, LLC as a pumper. He had also worked at John Deere and Riley Chevrolet as a mechanic, USD 218 as a mechanic and transportation director. Gene enjoyed drag racing, the Mud Run at the fair, computer work, cars and farming. He married Vickie E. Merklin May 9, 1982 in Liberal, Kansas.

Survivors include wife Vickie, of the home; mother, Geraldine Coen of Elkhart, Kansas. Two sons, Brandon Coen and wife Jessica of Woodward, Oklahoma, Wesley Coen and Courtney Crawford of Elkhart, Kansas. Two daughters, Wendy Coen-Caldwell and Michael Archer of Guymon, Oklahoma, and Heather Lafond and husband Jonathon of Elkhart, Kansas. One brother Tim Coen and wife Debbie of Elkhart, Kansas; two sisters, Teresa Overpeck and husband Don of Elkhart, Kansas and Cindy Ewing and husband Allen of Guymon, Oklahoma. Eight grandchildren; Brylan, Takoda, Cooper, Brandy, Pierce, Elijah, Shawn, and Paisley.

Gene is preceded in death by his father, grandparents Verl and Ethel Coen, and Millard Meredith.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at the Elkhart Cemetery, Elkhart, Kansas with Pastor Keith Davis officiating. Friends may call Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be given to the Morton County Mud Run in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 514 Kansas Ave., Elkhart, KS 67950.