Gene Leon Eccles, 75, of Waverly, KS, passed away late Friday, May 9, 2025, at his home.

He was born on Tuesday, August 30, 1949 at Gridley, KS, the son of Perry and Betty (Neely) Eccles. He grew up in Gridley as a boy along with his three brothers and one sister. As a teenager he worked for Beyer Motor Company in the body shop and later in life worked for the Strawn Boat Company.

On November 27, 1976, he and Marilyn Ann Hess were married. They became the parents of a daughter, Jacqueline and a son, Caleb. They made their home in rural Waverly, KS on Marilyn's grandparent's farm.

Gene worked as a rural water operator for Coffey County Rural Water District #3 for 14 years. Then worked for KDOT, Sauder West Farms and Blue Sky Painting.

Some of Gene's wonderful qualities were being honest to a fault. Talented with carpentry, gardening, turning wrenches, painting, and redneck ingenuity.

He was a very loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Gene's greatest joy was spending time with his kids and grandkids. Along with his friends and family members drinking a cold one and telling tall tales.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lee Eccles and Roy Eccles, and sister, Donna Scott; and several half-brothers and sisters.

Gene leaves Marilyn, his wife of more than 49 years, of Waverly; his daughter, Jackie Eccles (Rufino Borrero), Pomona, KS; his son, Caleb Eccles, Waverly, KS; his two grandchildren, Alex Riley (Jackie), Vassar, KS; Hayden Eccles (Caleb), Washington, KS; his Jack Russell Terrier, Maggie; brothers, Kenny Eccles (Jeanette), Madison, KS; and Jay Dee Eccles (Jo), Gridley, KS; half-brothers and half-sisters; nieces, Alesia Lansdown, Iola, KS; Angela Classen, Grand Junction, CO; Esther Scott Kamm, Clarksville, AR; nephews, Bryan Scott, Maumelle, AR; and Wade Scott, Jacksonville, AR; and many other relatives and friends.

Gene's family invites you to join them in a Celebration of Life on May 16 from 10:30 am to 2 pm. At the family farm, 1712 Quail Rd NE, Waverly. The family kindly requests that those attending bring your own lawn chairs, wear comfortable clothes and be ready to kick back and sit around the campfire. We welcome those attending to share their remembrances of Gene.