Gene E. Geren was born in far eastern LeFlore County, Oklahoma on November 21, 1925. He passed into Heaven at the age of 95 on December 14, 2020. After graduating from Pocola High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1943 and served in the SeaBees. Upon discharge, he returned home and married his beloved Reba Elmore and they enjoyed 56 years together until she passed away. On March 1, 2003, he wed Dortha F. Wilbanks and they were happily married more than 17 years.
Gene attended Draughon’s Business College in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He then entered the trucking business and was transferred to Oklahoma City in 1947. In 1963, he began his career in real estate and started his own business, Gene Geren Company, Commercial-Industrial Real Estate Company. He worked in real estate until his death, having passed his final licensure exam in his early nineties with flying colors.
Gene was the embodiment of the Christian life. He loved, and was loved, by his fellow Crossings Community Church members, those of congregations before and by all who knew him. His faith was reflected in his everyday life as a caring, loving, and peaceful soul. He remained active in his daily Bible reading and as a member of study and prayer groups. He had been active in civic groups, serving as President of the Capitol Hill Lions club and was a longtime board member and past Chairman of the Board of Feed the Children.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ruth Geren; brother Robert Geren; wife Reba Geren; daughter ReJeania Steiner and son Richard Geren. He is survived by his wife Dortha; sister and brother-in-law Patsy and Nual Peoples of Garrettsville, OH; son-in-law Tom Steiner and wife Janet; daughter-in-law Mary and husband Campbell Gillespie; five grandchildren, Amy Steiner of San Diego, CA; Geren and Stacey Steiner of Oklahoma City; Chris and Katy Steiner of Austin, Tx; Elizabeth and Chris Roberts of Oklahoma City; and Adam and Whitney Rainbolt of Oklahoma City; seven great grandchildren, Jackson and Nathan Steiner; Lucy and Sophie Steiner; Geren Roberts; and Ward and Thomas Rainbolt. A host of relatives and friends will carry Gene’s love and memory as well.
Gene passed comfortably with Dortha, and his beloved pastor, Marty Grubbs, at his bedside. Due to the COVID pandemic there will be no funeral service. Condolences can be left on the Hahn-Cook/Street and Draper Funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to Crossings Community Church or Westminster School.
