Jin Guey 'Gene' Mar 馬友振 (1935–2026), 90, died January 10, 2026, in Hays, Kansas. He was born in Canton, China on July 10, 1935 and was raised in Gong How Village, a rural community in southern China.
Jin grew up in a poor village and later recalled the period when communists took control of the country. At the age of 15, he immigrated to the United States alone, entering through Seattle. He spoke no English and arrived with few connections, learning how to survive through work, observation, and persistence.
He began working in Chinese kitchens in entry-level roles and learned the restaurant business from the ground up. Through steady effort, he eventually opened his own restaurant, becoming the owner of the first Chinese restaurant in Hays, Kansas. He remained a familiar and respected presence in the community for decades.
Jin was proud of his Chinese heritage and enjoyed sharing it with others. He took quiet pleasure in music (though he usually played it much louder than anyone else preferred), photography, cars, hunting, and fishing. At home, he often listened to Chinese opera. When he was not at home, he was likely at the fishing hole. His freezer was always stocked with fish he caught himself.
He was generous in ways that felt natural to him. If someone admired something he loved, he often insisted they take it. Records, candy, tea, fruit, and small gifts were offered freely. Giving brought him visible joy. If he had the ability to help someone, he did, without hesitation or expectation.
Jin had a quiet, reserved manner and an excellent sense of humor. He was known for his steady presence, his smile, and his willingness to share what he had. Despite challenges and hardships throughout his life, he maintained a positive outlook and was a beloved member of the community.
He cared deeply for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He passed along a strong work ethic and a spirit of generosity through example. His legacy is found in the family he raised, the values he lived by, and the life he built through patience, resilience, and quiet kindness.
He is survived by his children: Keena Longstaff (Al); James Mar; Kathy Krannawitter (Jon); Kelly Mar; Colleen Schneider (Mark); and Gene Mar; his 13 grandchildren: Charles, Ashley, Jamie, Steve (Emily), Josh (Addison), Amy (Jaron), Krystal (Brandon), Shaun, Clinton (Alisha), Christopher (Kristin), Nicholas (Blair), Mar-Amanda, and Shane; and his 25 great-grandchildren: Nancy, Alex, Dakota, Zackerian, Brennan, Jordyn, Charles, Mason, McKenzie, Marcus, William, Zaylyn, Eloise, Geddy, Benmont, Sydney, Lorelai, Ethan, Logan, Audrey, Amelia, Callie, Rachael, Stiles, and Lily. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Mapstone.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays. A meal will follow at The Venue, 2704 Vine.
A memorial has been established with the ALS Clinic in Wichita. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel or made directly in Jin’s name to Neurology Consultants of Kansas, ALS Clinic, 2135 Collective Lane, Wichita, KS.
In keeping with Jin’s Chinese heritage, the family will provide guests with a small red envelope containing a coin and a piece of candy. The candy sweetens the bitterness of loss, and the coin is meant to ward off bad luck. Guests are encouraged to eat the candy and spend the coin before returning home, symbolizing the sealing of good fortune and leaving sorrow behind at the funeral.
Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Jin's family on his tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com