Eugene "Gene" Highberger, age 95, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at his home in rural Westphalia, Kansas.

Eugene Ernest Highberger was born June 5, 1927, at Westphalia, Kansas. Eugene was the sixth of eight children born to Theodore and Clara (Hoefler) Highberger. Eugene grew up on the family farm and attended St. Teresa Catholic School and Westphalia High School graduating in 1945. After high school he worked for the Railroad for 6 months, worked odd jobs for local farmers and played on the local town baseball team.

On May 17, 1948, Eugene married Marjorie Tilford at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Westphalia. It was then they moved south of Westphalia and started farming on his own. They were blessed with five children. In 1953, he started working in Garnett for Orval Brown at the International dealership with his brother Clarence. Later he returned to full-time farming and ranching. In 1969, they moved north of Westphalia.

In his lifetime, he served on the Westphalia-Garnett School Board for 20 years, Anderson County Commissioner for 20 years, Economic Development Committee, Anderson County Hospital Board of Trustees, Area Agency on Aging Board, Southeastern Kansas Health Department, 4 ^th Judicial Judge Selection Committee, Anderson County Address Committee, Charter member of the Westphalia Lions Club, member of the Westphalia Knights of Columbus for over 76 years.

He dearly loved his life as a farmer and rancher. He loved a good handshake. He loved a good poker party. He gave everything he had to help others. He loved a good practical joke and finished his career making meals for the farming crew and family members at Dad's Diner.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marjorie "Mike" on April 11, 1996, an infant daughter Margene, sisters Melinda Highberger and Sister Jean Highberger, brothers, Ed, Ralph, Clarence, and Francis Highberger, and an infant great-grandson Zeno.

Eugene is survived by his children, Vicki Saner and husband Ralph, Park City, Judy McGinnis and husband Kenny, Park City, Marilyn Brooks and her husband Dwaine, Westphalia, Carol Barnes and husband Chris, Garnett, Dan Highberger and his wife Margie, Westphalia, 11 grandchildren, and 27 great grandchildren, his sister, Mary Joan Felts and husband Frank, Wichita, sister-in-law, Eileen Highberger, Salem, VA, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 30, 2022, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Westphalia, KS. There will be a Rosary at 6:30 P.M., Friday, with visitation following at the church. Burial will be in the St. Teresa's Cemetery. Contributions can be made to St. Luke's Home Health or Good Shephard Hospice and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.

Flags are being flown in honor of his dedication to the military and his friends and family that helped protect the wonderful community by seeing the flags flown for every holiday and special occasion.