Biography

Major Leon Eugene "Gene" Adney, 81, of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, died, Sunday, July 4, 2010 at Beloit Memorial Hospital, Beloit, Wisconsin.

Gene was born on March 14, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Lee Adney and Marie Leisher. He was raised by his grandparents in Beloit and graduated from Beloit High School. After high school, he farmed for a few years until entering The Salvation Army College for Officer's Training. After his commissioning as a Salvation Army officer, Gene married the former Yvonne Esther Wilks in Chicago, Illinois on June 18, 1954. Gene was an Officer and Pastor with the Salvation Army for over 58 years, serving in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. After officially retiring not long ago, Gene continued to volunteer for the organization the he loved. He was a long time member of the Kiwanis Club serving wherever he and Yvonne were living. Gene enjoyed taking time out to go fishing and he enjoyed working with his hands. He had a passion for pasturing, counseling people, and observing humanity.

Gene is survived by his wife Yvonne, son, Ken (Kim) Adney of Olympia, Washington, daughter, Karen (Marc) Johnson of Grand Rapids, Michigan, three grandchilden, Erica Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska, Justin Johnson of Chicago, Illinois, and Andrea Johnson of Grand Rapids, Michigan, sister, Penny (Randy) Tracy of Michigan, brother, Richard (Janice) Adney of Beloit, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Ted Adney.

Memorial services are 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 8, 2010 at the Salvation Army 628 Broad Street, Beloit, Wisconsin with refreshments following. Private inurnment of cremains will be in Eastlawn Cemetery in Beloit. Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home in Beloit is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hansengravitt.com.

Memorial Service

Thursday July 8, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army
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Refreshment Gathering

Thursday July 8, 2010, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Salvation Army
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Private Committal Service

Thursday July 8, 2010 at Eastlawn Cemetery
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