Gene McCain, age 78, passed away on May 10, 2020 at home. He was born on July 4, 1941, the son of Wilber “Wig” and Wilma (Ashburn) McCain in Garnett, Kansas.
He married Mary Kay Coughlin on July 22, 1960 in Richmond, Kansas. Gene and Mary worked together side by side doing everything from operating businesses, fishing, and hosting events for family and friends at their home, which some describe as “Grand Central Station.”
Gene started working at age 10 at Shinkle’s Grocery Store in Garnett. He continued in the grocery business for over 40 years. He owned and operated Stan’s Food Center in Muncie, Kansas until he sold the store in 1982 and moved back to Garnett. After returning to Garnett, he operated AFC Super for two years and then worked for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department until retiring.
Gene loved spending time with family, especially grandchildren. He enjoyed hosting family gatherings, holidays and annual Fish Fry.
He enjoyed many outdoor activities. He hunted and was an avid fisherman, spending endless hours on the lakes. He enjoyed taking kids or anyone fishing.
Poker was his passion. Hobbies included taxidermy and processing wild game.
He traveled around the world, but Garnett, Kansas was his favorite place to be.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Wig and Wilma McCain; his brother, Ron McCain; his son, George McCain.
He is survived by the catch of his life, Mary McCain of Garnett, Kansas; two daughters, Tammy Veltman and husband Patrick of Basehor, Kansas; Jackie Whitcomb and husband Kevin of Centerville, Kansas; one son, Jeff McCain and wife Brenda of Garnett, Kansas; two sisters Sharon Kilet and husband Mike of Garnett, Kansas, Tereasa Hamm (Stanley Pattison) of Garnett, Kansas; Surviving grandchildren are Rachel Vogel(Aaron), Emily Walls(James Stephens), Mark Walls, Tanner Whitcomb, Katie Owens(Joe), Austin Masters(Brooke Are’valo-Bingham), Chelsea Leinweber and Carlee Leinweber; great grandchildren Kelly Vogel, Alaina Owens, Allen Owens; and great-great grandson Roman Vogel Nilsen.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private funeral service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2020. Graveside services will follow at 11:45 a.m., on Friday, May 15, 2020, at the Garnett Cemetery, Garnett, Kansas. Friends may pay their respects to Gene from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on both Wednesday, May 13, 2020, and Thursday, May 14, 2020 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, 219 S. Oak St., Garnett, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to W.I.N.G.S. and may be left in the care of the funeral home or take a kid fishing in Gene’s memory.
You may send your condolences to the family at
www.feuerbornfuneral.com
To view the funeral service live, please use the link listed below:
https://zoom.us/j/7166693102?pwd=VXUwN1k1OE9pUTlHVEh0TldOa29uUT09
Meeting ID: 716 669 3102
Password: MCCAIN