BEL AIRE - R. Eugene (Gene) Schroder, 93, world traveler, began his final journey Aug. 12, 2009.

He was born Jan. 8, 1916, to Roy and Rosa Schroder of South Hutchinson. He attended Hutchinson High School (class of 1933) and Hutchinson Junior College. He married Verna Siegrist on Nov. 5, 1939.

He was a second Lieutenant in the Army during World War II stationed at Luzon Prisoner of War Camp No. 1 in the Philippines, receiving a commendation for planning, building and operating a furniture factory that employed Japanese prisoners of war. Before and after the war he was Deputy Sheriff and Under Sheriff for Reno County.

He joined Banker's Investment Company (later Security Pacific Corporation) in 1951, retiring in 1978 as senior vice president and secretary in the financial division.

He and his wife, Verna, enjoyed travel throughout the United States. Their travels also took them to Venezuela, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, France, Switzerland, China, Italy, Czechoslovakia, England, Germany, Japan, Austria, Greece, Egypt and Panama.

He was an avid golfer and member of the American Legion and Optimists.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Verna; daughters, Nancy Korber (Don), of Valley Center, and Connie Schroder, of Wichita; grandchildren, Angi Gragg (Jeff), Amy Ellington (Wes) and David Korber (Lisa); and great-grandchildren Kyleigh, Dylan and Sam Rice, Jack Gragg, Cristin McCune (Jake), Jamie, Trey and Shannon Ellington, Dane and Liesel Korber.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at South Hutchinson United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Susan Wickiser and Dr. J. Tal Tittsworth officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be sent to Carey Park Junior Golf Scholarship Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.