Merrill "Gene" E. Hansen, 90 years of age, of Concordia, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Cloud County Health Center in Concordia. He was born on June 21, 1923 near Jamestown to Ruben and Mary (Andersen) Hansen. Gene attended Brown Country School District 44 under the teachings of Lorene Fraser and then graduated from Concordia High School in 1941. He served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. During his time in the Navy, Gene was aboard both the USS Franklin and the USS Ticonderoga where both survived Japanese attacks. Specifically, while aboard the USS Franklin, the ship was attacked by a kamikaze plane where a lot of sailor's were killed or injured. After being told to abandon the ship, the crew refused because of the fiery water and made their way back to San Diego. Gene was a lifelong farmer in the Cloud County and Limon, Colorado areas. He married Charlene Rich on June 29, 1958 at the Wesleyan Church in Miltonvale. Gene was known best for his mechanical and carpenter skills although he could literally fix anything. He thoroughly enjoyed keeping all of his boys' vehicles running while at the same time, teaching them how to fix them. He was a member of The Wesleyan Church in Concordia and the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship. Gene enjoyed whistling along with his wife playing the piano and several church and community functions. He loved and encouraged his family in all interests and will be missed by all.

Gene is survived by his wife, Charlene; 7 children, Charles of Concordia, Mary Holloway and husband Larry of Osage City, David, John, Daniel, Lowell, Michael, all of Concordia; 6 grandchildren, Makita, Amanda, Brianna, Laura, Neil, Erin; 3 great grandchildren, Austin, Marissa, Kadence; 2 sisters, Helen Hansen, Alice Manthey, both of Concordia; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Leonard, Lawrence, Ray; 2 sisters, Viola Johnson, Vivian Wood; and 2 infant siblings.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, March 24, 2014 at The Wesleyan Church in Concordia with Pastor David Redmond officiating. Interment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Concordia. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 PM Sunday, March 23, 2014 with family greeting friends from 4 to 6 PM at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia. Memorials are suggested to the family's choice in care of the funeral home. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia is in charge of arrangements.