Gene Eldon Bidwell Sr.

Gene Eldon Bidwell Sr., a longtime resident of White City, passed away October 11, 2021. He was born February 5, 1930, in Wichita, Kansas, to Gladys Marie Schroyer and Samuel Hedge Bidwell.

He married Marian Rose Choate in 1958. She had a daughter Pamela Diane Casey. Together Gene and Marian had Debra Marie, Jean Francine, Melvin Theodore and Gene Eldon.

They later divorced. Gene’s main job was at the Fort Riley Printing Plant. He had many other jobs in life.

He was proceeded in death by exwife Marian Bidwell; father Samuel and mother Gladys; son, Gene; brothers Donald and Dale; aunts Lorena and Goldie; infant granddaughter Jessica and a great-granddaughter Taylor.

He is survived by four children: Pam (Bruce), Debra (David), Jean, and Melvin (Cynthia); grandchildren: Jeremiah, Amanda (Matt), Malia (Jode), Michael (Michael), Shaun, Kyle Ball, Naomi (Todd), Nicki (Joey), Tanya (Tim), Theresa; 15 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

He took care of his son Gene Jr. from 1985 until his death in 2017 after he was injured in a car accident.

The last nine months of Gene’s life was spent at Wild Oaks Campground in Missouri where he had great care by his son Melvin and wife Cynthia, wonderful food, met a lot of people and had the time of his life. He had a great sense of humor and deeply loved his children and grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, and burial will be at the White City Cemetery.