Eugene Louis "Gene" Kresen was born July 28, 1930 and departed this life Wednesday, February 08, 2012 reaching the age of 81. He was the son of the late Herman Kresen and Mary Belle (LeMastus) Kresen.

He was united in marriage to Betty Jean Whitaker and to this union 4 children were born.

He is survived by: 4 children: Earl Robert (Sheree) Kresen, Laura Lee (Elwood) Bradley, Charles Kresen, and Barry Kresen; 9 grandchildren, Stacy Osborne, Shawna Pyles, Joshua Kresen, Daniel Hollars, Jessica Bradley, Dessa Bradley, Charles Kresen, Zachary Kresen, and Hannah Kresen; and 9 great grandchildren, Michael Glen, Evan, Ethan, McKenna, Sofie, Kaylee, Kadan, Nate, and Grayson. He is also survived by: 1 brother, Ronald (Dona) Kresen; along with a host of family and friends who mourn his passing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his wife, Betty Kresen; 1 grandson, Michael Eugene Hollars; 1 great grandson, Alexander Hollars; 2 brothers, Robert and Earl Kresen; and 2 sisters, Ann Wathen and Jeanette Spriggs.

Gene enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, serving during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After serving his country faithfully for 28 years, he retired from the military. But as anyone who knows anything about a Marine – "Once a Marine, always a Marine." Semper Fidelis!

Even though Gene had the tough Marine exterior, as his daughter, Laura often said of him, he was just a big ole' teddy bear. He was affectionately called "Papa" or "Papa Gene" by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 12 – 3 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 3 pm at the Marvin S. Hicks Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Harrell, Bro. Elwood Bradley, and Bro. Mike Hollars officiating. Burial will be in Piney Woods Mission Church Cemetery. Military honors will be performed by DAV Chapter 105.