Gene Speaks, 79, rural Fredonia, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 2, 2009, at his home.

He was born May 5, 1929, in Kansas City, Kan., to Riley and Grace West Speaks.

He served in the U.S. Army 1950-1952.

He retired in 1992 from General Portland Cement after 22 years of employment.

On Sept. 9, 1950, in Lyndon he married Mary Nell Evans. She survives.

Other survivors include a son, David F. Speaks, Fredonia; three sisters, Twila Evans, Wichita, Imogene Chisham, Topeka, and Doris Stueve, Topeka; and two brothers, Roy Speaks, LaQuinta, Calif., and Dennis Speaks, Fredonia.

He was preceded in death by a son, Roger Speaks; and four siblings, Wanda Engstrom, Aladean Reynolds, Lola McCarty and Don Speaks.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Timmons Funeral Home officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home on Wednesday. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m.

Contributions to the Old Iron Club may be sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736.