Gene Carlton Hungerford

Gene Carlton Hungerford passed away on his 86h birthday in Lee’s Summit, MO. Gene was born February 23, 1927 in Independence, Missouri, to Frank Carl and Maude Latrica Hungerford. In 1945, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving as Electrician’s Mate Third class on the USS Portsmouth until the war ended. The Navy flew Gene to Tokyo Bay to represent his unit at the peace treaty signing on the USS Missouri.

After his discharge, Gene attended SMS and Washington University in St. Louis. In 1947, he began a television installation business. His sister Frances owned the first television set in Springfield. Gene was a long time district and regional sales manager with GE, Hotpoint, and Whirlpool. In the 1960s, he was also a cattlemen, and enjoyed riding his horses with his daughter Cindy and, later, granddaughter Hayley.

Gene, a 32-degree Mason, received his 50-year pin last fall. He was a co-pilot for the Flying Fez, transporting children with orthopedic and burn problems to hospitals, and participated in Wings of Mercy, Honor Flight, and the Shrine Mounted Patrol Club. He was a member of the American Legion, a Charter member of the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C, and a participant in many church and civic organizations.

After Gene successfully battled advanced cancer, he helped begin the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation. Gene remained devoted to the foundation’s mission and became involved in the building of Cancer Survivors’ Park at the County Club Plaza. Gene devoted many hours to counseling and supporting other cancer patients and was Cancer Patient of the Year in 1988.

Gene was a determined, self-made man devoted to his family and friends. He frequently shared his maxims on life displaying determination and a positive outlook. He enjoyed socializing, volunteering, and being active until his death. He will be sorely missed.

His parents, his sisters Frances Thomas Bell and Ramona Long; a brother, Charles; and nephews Robert Thomas and Franklin M. Hungerford, Jr, preceded Gene in death. He is survived by his devoted wife Doris, loving daughter, Cynthia Hungerford Bartels and beloved grandchildren, Hayley Cathryne, Whitney Carlin, and Nicholas Scott Bartels, brother Franklin M. Hungerford (Sandra) and siblings Paul (Dottie), Ina, and Rose Hungerford, Matilda Weiss (Cliff); Harriett Hogan (Jim), and Joyce Clark, a cousin, several nieces, nephews, step-children, step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, and many dear friends.

Celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 am March 1 at McGilley’s State Line with private burial at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery. Friends may call prior to the service starting at 10:00. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Action, 10520 Barkley, OP, KS 66212.