Eugene "Gene" Delano Highlander

Born on December 12, 1941, in Clifftop, WV, to the late Deward and Erma (Ashley) Highlander, Gene lived a life marked by high integrity, personal sacrifice, generosity, and a deep devotion to God and his family. He built a long, distinguished career as a civil engineer, spending much of his professional life with Hobet Mining and later CBC Engineers & Associates and eventually retiring at the age of 79. Known for his strong analytical mind, determination, and work ethic, Gene earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, friends, and family alike.

Gene could easily strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered. He was a gifted storyteller who loved sharing memories and experiences often with a quick wit and good sense of humor that brought smiles and laughter to those around him. He was known for his thoughtful insight, and he enjoyed keeping his mind active by working crossword puzzles in his leisure time. Whether offering advice, helping with home projects, or simply being there when someone needed him, he was always dependable and generous with his time and talents.

Above all else, Gene was a devoted family man. His greatest pride and accomplishment were raising his five children, whom he loved deeply and of whom he was very proud. Gene and his wife, Betty, were active members of Northridge Freewill Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio, where their faith and fellowship were a very important part of their lives. He also formed lasting friendships with neighbors and communities in the various locations he and Betty resided. He was an active member of the Lions Club while living in Hurricane, WV, where he valued the opportunities to serve his community. His warm smile and matter of fact nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Brian (Mary); brothers, Baby Ray, Lloyd, Vermond, Duane, Dale, Claude, and Bobby; and a sister, Wanda.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Betty; his children, Kathy DiCarlo (Ray), Vera Conley (Wayne), Sean Highlander (Robin), and Misti Whitfield (Eric); grandchildren, Levi Paxton, Tessa Paxton, Ashley Trenzeluk, Brittany Parker, Gabe Conley, Josh Conley, Hunter Highlander, Ethan Highlander, Cannon Whitfield, Skye Whitfield, and Arden Whitfield; great-grandchildren, Nash Parker, Theo Trenzeluk, Mila Trenzeluk, Evelyn (Evie) Highlander, and Henry Highlander; a brother, John Highlander; and a sister, Zelma Tolley.

A committal service will be held at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 265 Restlawn Cemetery Road, Victor, WV, on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Answers in Genesis.