Eugene (Gene) A. Chaput was born on July 7, 1925 in Clyde, KS to Amedee J. & Alexine D. (Gosselin) Chaput. He passed from this life at on February 27, 2010 at Salina Regional Medical Center, Salina, KS at the age of 84. Gene graduated from Clyde High School. After graduation he joined the US Army Air Force and served as an aviation navigator. When Gene returned from the service, he attended the Cincinnati College of Embalming. Gene married Jane L. Fetter on June 26, 1948 in Cincinnati, OH. She preceded him in death on Dec. 23, 2003. Gene & Jane returned to Clyde, KS, where Gene worked with his father at the Chaput Mortuary in Clyde. Gene later joined the US Border Patrol, where they lived in Texas & various places in Florida until his retirement as Chief with the Border Patrol. After retirement, they lived in Hollywood, FL until 1984 when they moved to Lead, SD and purchased a home in Spearfish Canyon and remained there until 2000 when they moved into the Golden Ridge Community in Lead, SD. Gene recently returned to Clay Center, KS. Gene was a member of the American Legion, the Kiwanis Club in Lead, SD, a life member of the Elks Club & NARFE, he served as President of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church Council in Lead, SD, he was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Chief of the volunteer Spearfish Canyon Fire Dept. He is survived by his son: Michael Chaput & wife Cheryl, Clay Center, KS & Deadwood, SD; daughter: Suzanne Chaput, Ft. Worth, TX; brother: Larry Chaput & wife Sandy, Valdosta, GA; grandchildren: Michael Chaput, Jr. & wife Jamie, Metuchen, NJ & Wendy Addington, Spearfish, SD; 1 great grandchild; nieces: Michele Beachum & husband David, Tupelo, MS & Gabrielle Catikos & husband Jamie, Valdosta, GA & a great gephew: A.J. Beachum. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane L. Chaput & his parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Wed., March 3, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Clyde, KS with Rev. Larry Letourneau & Rev. LeRoy Metro officiating. A Vigil service will be held at 7 PM, Tues, March 2, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Clyde with Deacon Terry Chaput officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 5 PM at Chaput Mortuary and after 6 PM at the church, Tues, March 2, 2010. Burial will follow the services at the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Clyde, KS. The family suggests memorials to the Mount Calvary Cemetery Fund in care of the funeral home.