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- (chapeloaks.com/obituary)
Gene Eldy Bigham Jr. of Moriarty, New Mexico died Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the University of New Mexico Hospital after a long standing battle with cancer. He was born in Sacramento, California on March 24, 1940 to Gene Eldy Bigham, Sr. and Polly Elizabeth Platt. Gene graduated from McClatchy Senior High School in June 1958 in Sacramento, CA. He attended Sacramento City College from 1958 to 1959. Gene also attended technical school studying the trades of refrigeration and air conditioning. He later attended Bell and Howell Schools in Chicago, IL, studying electronics.
In early years, Gene served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1965. During his length of service, Gene mastered the skill as a sharp shooter with a rifle and pistol. He also earned the medal of good conduct. From 1958 to 1960, Gene served in the Korean Conflict. Gene achieved the Army rank of Sgt E4 and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1965. Gene also served in the Arizona Air National Guard from 1975 to 1978 and was honorably discharged in 1978 as a Sgt E4.
After serving in the military, Gene worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in Sacramento, CA from 1961 to 1974. In 1968, Gene completed Supervisor's training for the US Postal Service. In 1975, Gene attended Extension Course Institute and completed training as an Inventory Management Specialists. Other positions Gene held through his working career were; Assistant Manager of Hardees Restaurant, Quality Control for Samsonite at the Tucson International Airport, Salesman for mobile home parks and he managed a Pure Water Technology store.
Gene was an animal lover and he adored his pet cat Rufus. He was an avid fisherman and he enjoyed camping and traveling. Gene was also a gun enthusiast and he liked to collect hats for a hobby. Gene was a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW. In his later years, Gene loved spending time with his family and friends at his second home in Hiawatha, KS.
Gene is survived by his wife Pat (Patience), his stepson Vincent Grier and wife Gina of Tonganoxie, KS, his stepson Dominic Grier and wife Linda of Hiawatha, KS, his stepdaughter Glennda Grier and husband Shawn Graf of Hiawatha, KS and his stepson Erik Grier of Lawrence, KS. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Gene is preceded in death by both of his parents and his stepson Steven Grier of Hiawatha, Ks.
There will be a graveside service held at 3:00 pm Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the Hiawatha Cemetery, with military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.
Donations may be made in memory of Gene Bigham to the American Cancer Society. In Lieu of cards and flowers, please send them to; Patience Bigham 312 Delaware Street Hiawatha, KS 66434 Other correspondences may be sent to; bigham.condolences@gmail.com
Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, is in charge of local arrangements.
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1940 - 2014 (73 years)
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