In Memory Of
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Harold Eugene Estes
Ottawa, Kansas
12/25/1931 - 07/08/2025
Harold Eugene Estes, affectionately known as Gene, passed away peacefully at his home in Ottawa, Kansas on July 8, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and family. He was 93 years old.
Gene was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1931, in Jacksonville, Illinois. His life was one marked by dedication, hard work, and deep love for his family and community. On December 30, 1948 Gene joined the United States Army at Phoenixville, Pennsylvania the Valley Forge Army Depot. He served during the Korean War. He was discharged at the rank of PFC on October 18, 1952 at Phoenixville, Pennsylvania the Valley Forge Army Depot.
Over the years, Gene worked for several companies including Meadow Gold Ice Cream, Wintersheidt Milling, Oxford Chemical, and Arrow Stage Lines. He found his calling as a tour bus driver for Couch USA, where he made lasting memories and friendships while helping others explore the country he loved.
On January 16, 1971, Gene married the love of his life, Joyce Roeder, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville, Kansas. Their union was a true partnership that lasted over 54 wonderful years. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and shared adventure.
A proud and faithful member of Sacred Heart Church in Ottawa, Gene was also active in several veteran organizations. He was a long-standing member of the Eagles, the VFW in Ottawa, and the American Legion in both Topeka—faithfully serving in the Legion for 62 years.
Gene found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved camping in the great outdoors, splitting wood with care and satisfaction, and above all, spending time with his grandchildren—whom he adored and delighted in.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Douglas, David and Mary Ann Emmons. A grandson Robert.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Joyce of the home, his children Sheila (Korey) Klover of Salina, Kansas, Stanton (Anita) Estes of Ottawa, Jewell Rollinger of Mesquite, Nevada, Carol Ann Estes and Tami Gavin both of Round Roch Texas. Grandchildren, Celese, Trisha, Russell, John, Robert, Addison, Briley and Casson, great-grandchildren Jaden, Abby, Stella, Avery and Morgan.
A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca; The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00AM. The burial will be with military honors at the Church cemetery in Seneca.
Memorials may be left to Franklin County Cancer Foundation, 215 S Main Street, Ottawa, Kansas 66067; sent in care of the family.
A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca; Half an hour prior to the Funeral Mass.
The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00AM. The burial will be with military honors at the Church cemetery in Seneca.
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Joyce and family:
So sorry or your lost. Always enjoyed the comments of pictures of Gene on Facebook.
🙏🙏🙏
Connie (Huninghake)) Woodard
I feel your heartache friends. Losing him has to be so difficult. I pray the Lord will comfort you tenderly.
I’m sorry that I won’t be able to attend the funeral due to prior obligations. Please remember that I loved him like another Dad. I have missed him and will continue to. I will pray for him and the entire family at this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joyce Stanton, Anita and the rest of his family. He was an amazing guy. Always had a smile to share,and such a great sense of humor.Im going to miss him alot
Joyce, Sheila, and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. I’m praying that you will find peace and comfort through your memories and remembering how very much he loved all of you. Sending hugs and lots of love to you!
So very sorry to hear about Gene’s passing. Have some great memories from my childhood, as Gene and Joyce were close friends with my dad (Gary Baker). Sending thoughts and prayers to your family.
So sorry for your lost, Joyce and family. Our prayers are with you and family. God is with you all.
So sorry Joyce and family. sorry I won’t be there. We’ll be in Tennessee at my sons house . God bless your family.
Shelia and family, my deepest sympathy and prayers for you all. May God continue to give you strength through this time.sending my love and prayers . cindy fritz
Gene was a wonderful man. Carrie and I will miss him very much. God’s blessings to you in this time. We love you all Joyce!
Thank you i was so blessed. But this is the hardest thing I have ever done.