A Strong and Quiet Man

Almost from the time my family moved to Winfield we have been friends with Pat and Gene Snell. With his passing the memories of all the good times came flooding into my mind. Gene was not a public person, but a quiet and gentle man. Even with that he was a strong man, a man of faith, and a man of loyalty and commitment to those people and causes he loved. Long before I knew him Gene served his country honorably in the Army during the Korean War. He faithfully attended the Veteran’s Week in Branson to renew old friendships and his service. Upon returning home he worked at various jobs before starting forty year printing career with the Winfield Daily Courier.

Gene was not a complicated person. He loved his God, his family, his church, his friends, and sports of many kinds. Wildcat Nation is weaker with Gene’s passing. I’m not sure I ever met a bigger sports fan than Gene and especially K-State basketball and football. I seldom saw him without his purple hat with the Power Cat. Still Gene’s biggest loves were his wife Pat and their family and his church. Gene had been a member for several years when I came to MSBC and served on the Missions Committee, Trustees and taught for years in the Toddler Department. Even when his illness began Gene faithfully attended his church.

We played some basketball and softball together in the early days of our friendship. The last few years we’ve visited about sports, went out to dinner, and played cards on Friday nights with other friends. Church was still our greatest contact and many times Pat and Gene sat just behind us as we worshipped. Gene is in a far better place today, far from the pain and suffering of his last days in this life. Whenever I see a K-State article or play cards again I’ll think of Gene. And smile!!