Mr. Gene Hinds

Vernon Euguene “Gene” Hinds was called home to his Father on August 22, 2024. A man known by many names—Gene, Sonny, Dad, Grandpa, Paw Paw, and (perhaps his favorite) Pop—Gene was deeply loved and he loved deeply. It is simply impossible to honor his 95-year life and legacy in summary form, but everyone deserves to know as much about this great man as can fit on the page.

Gene was born in Floris, Oklahoma on December 31, 1928 to Vernon and Edith Hinds, an honest and hardworking couple. After a childhood of helping his father cultivate crops on Navajo reservations in the West, Gene continued to pursue his love for nature by earning an agricultural degree from New Mexico State University, which then led him to a life-long career with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Throughout his dedicated career with the national government, Gene took on responsibilities such as overseeing the operations of the Hoover Dam and consulting with foreign dignitaries on how to utilize international waterways.

While his professional accomplishments were nothing short of impressive, they are far from who he was. A man known by many names, he was also a man who had many roles—husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, provider, and servant of the Lord.

When Gene entered the Kermit, Texas drug store in January 1952, he had no idea his life would be forever changed. Gene and Ann’s first date was Sunday night service, setting the tone for what would be 71 years of marriage and fellowship. Together, the couple raised three daughters—Carrie, Cheryl, and Christi—and they never missed an opportunity to gather with their family. No occasion was too small for a road trip.

In his spare time, Gene practiced what he preached, living by example in service of others. From chairing the United Way, to serving as a deacon, to driving widows to church on Sunday morning, Gene was always giving to those around him.

He was also the consummate teacher, not just in Sunday school, but also teaching his children and grandchildren to drive (automatic and manual transmissions), how to check the oil in their cars, and, of course, how to play gin rummy. Beating Paw Paw was always the goal, and nothing made him prouder than when his grandkids accomplished it.

Gene never took his mind or body for granted. He completed daily crossword puzzles and stayed active through many sports, including basketball, tennis, and golf. The crazy old man even jogged a mile on his 85th birthday! After retirement, Gene built a home for himself and Ann on eighty acres in Waldren, Arkansas. Then, in his seventies and eighties, Gene built a cabin on eighty acres in the Ozark Mountains. If he could do it with own two hands, he did.

Gene was gentle, generous, and God fearing. We are all better people for having known him, and we will miss him every day. But we know that his mother, father, and sister welcomed him Home with open arms. His legacy will live through his wife, three daughters, five grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. You did good, Sonny.

Serving as pallbearers are Ryan Myers, Joel Myers, Paladin Gervasi, Alexa Gervasi, Bronson Gervasi and Link Gervasi.