Millard Eugene Countryman

A native Kansan and longtime booster of the state, Gene was at various times a cowboy, photojournalist, television reporter and producer, marketing and advertising executive, and radio personality.

Born on November 9, 1936, in ElDorado, KS, Gene was raised on a ranch in Butler County, and graduated from ElDorado High School. Following two years of duty in the Army at Ft. Bragg, NC, he graduated from Emporia State University in 1962.

In 1963 he married the love of his life, Helen June Spinden.

Gene began his radio career in high school as farm director and deejay on KBTO, and later became a radio and TV reporter for KAKE-TV in Wichita. He subsequently served as Advertising Manager at a local farm equipment manufacturer, traveling to 49 states as well as producing and co-hosting the live prime time telecasts of the National Finals Rodeo.

As Creative Director of a Wichita advertising agency, in addition to working with some of the largest corporate clients in the region he developed several award-winning promotional campaigns for the state, including “Kansas Secrets”, “Linger Longer” and “Ah, Kansas”.

His marketing career included an assignment in Europe for a multinational farm equipment manufacturer, supervising the company’s marketing and communications activities from Iceland to Israel. His travels made him appreciate his home state even more, and he selected the song, “Back in Your Own Backyard” as the opening theme for his weekly broadcasts of Countryman’s Kansas, which he hosted on KNSS and 20 other stations on Saturday mornings from January 1989 to May 2010.

Creative, fun-loving, and a great storyteller, Gene had an insatiable curiosity about the world. He adored his family and loved traveling, watching movies and listening to music together. He was an excellent writer, both in his professional endeavors as well as his personal life.

Gene was predeceased by his mother, Idylene Virginia Watkins Countryman. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, June Countryman, daughter Carla Countryman, son-in-law Tom Nichols, and granddaughters Katie Nichols and Maggie Nichols, as well as sisters Ginger Countryman and Terry Countryman, and brother-in-law Damon White.

In honor of Gene’s life and his enduring affection for the state of Kansas, memorial contributions may be made to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Strong City, KS.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at MyLakeviewFuneralHome.com.