Gene Starkel

Florence native Eugene V. “Gene” Starkel, 86, died Aug. 27 at his home in McPherson.

Visitation with family was Sunday, and a service was Monday, both at Zeiner funeral home, Marion. Interment with military rites was in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence.

He was born June 2, 1929, in Florence, the son of Constantine and Lena Starkel. He graduated from Florence High School before serving his country with the United States Army.

He married June Wilder Dec. 23, 1951. They had one son, Jerry.

Eugene worked for Mid-America Pipeline, where he retired in 1994.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June; his brother, Homer; and his parents.

He is survived by his son, Jerry Starkel, and three grandchildren, all from McPherson; siblings Les Starkel, Arnold Starkel, and Mildred George, all of El Dorado.

Memorials may be sent in care of the funeral home.