Eugene 'Gene' Allen Heldenbrand, 92, passed away November 16, 2020, at Pleasant Hills Assisted Living.  He was born October 14, 1928, in Oxford, KS, the son of John and Edith (Underwood) Heldenbrand.

Gene graduated from Langdon High School in 1946, and married Glenis Banks, his high school sweetheart, on October 12, 1946.  They shared 68 years of marriage.

He was a resident of Hutchinson most of his adult life.  Gene worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for forty years, retiring in 1988.  He was a kind, hardworking man, and never met a stranger.  In Gene's words, 'I had a good wife, a good life, and a great family'.  He was an avid coin collector, and enjoyed growing watermelons and tomatoes for his neighbors, friends and family.  Gene always gave a guarantee on his watermelons!  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Gene was a founding member of the El Cap Credit Union and served as president for several years.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.

Gene was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Glenis; sister, Arlena Walker; and brothers, Ralph, Carl and Paul.

He is survived by: daughter, Kay (Greg) Gordon of Hutchinson; grandson, Ryan (Joah) Gordon of Overland Park; granddaughters, Amber (Tyler) Goetz of Lawrence and Ashley (David) Farney of Wilson; four great-grandchildren, Lucas and Jacob Gordon, Ellie Goetz, and Wyatt Farney; great-granddaughter, Goetz, arriving soon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held November 19, 2020, at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson.  Friends may call from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, and 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Reno County or First United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.