Eugene “Gene” Bernard Hamel was born January 16, 1938, in Chewelah, Washington. He was the third child born to Albert and Rosa (Desaire) Hamel. He died November 29, 2022, in Stockton, Kansas. He lived a full life, 84 years of memories filled with family, faith, military, farming, and teaching. His family had moved to Washington to help Gene’s uncle in the forestry business. But after a short time, they returned to their Damar, Kansas, roots and settled on a farm a few miles north of Damar nestled on the banks of the South Solomon River. It was at his boyhood home that Gene first fell in love with a life rooted in nature.
Gene was a lifelong parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar and attended the Catholic school there. Two of his greatest influences were his teacher, Sister Theresina, and his principal, Sister Magdalita. Both women impacted his life, but Gene always remembered Sister Magdalita, who would give him a hug on the tough days and gently remind him, “Tomorrow is a new day, Gene.” Gene used that phrase many times throughout the years.
Like most young boys in high school, Gene and his cousin, DeeDee Desaire, longed for adventure outside of their homes. They decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. With Gene being only 17 years old at the time, his dad had to sign for him. The two boys began basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas. Next, Gene was sent to Fort Sam Houston to become a medic. Later, Gene was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division (Tropical Lightning) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was extremely proud of his military career, and often said it was the best decision he ever made. He was honorably discharged December 17, 1957. Gene returned to Damar and worked a variety of jobs in the oil field and construction.
The next big adventure of Gene’s life began. December 6, 1958, Gene married the love of his life, Mary Avis Jones of Bogue. Gene often related the story about the first time he caught a glimpse of Avis. She had caught a ride to Damar, hidden by the spare tire on the running board of her daddy’s pickup. He remembered seeing her again while driving by her house. Little did he know that he would marry her someday.
In 1959, Gene wanted to continue his education in medicine, but since St. Anthony Hospital School of Nursing didn’t have a male nursing program, he opted to enroll at Fort Hays State, majoring in Education. Their daughter, Dorinda, was born in 1959. Less than a year later, their second daughter, Joletta was born. Joletta made the family famous! They made the front page of the Hays paper when Joletta was born in the back seat of the family car!
Gene eventually graduated from Fort Hays with a B.S. in Education. The family moved to Ulysses, Kansas for his first teaching job. He taught fourth and fifth grade and drove school bus at Sullivan Grade School.
After Curt was born, in 1966, the family decided to move closer to Damar so that Gene could pursue both teaching and farming. They also wanted to be near their families. Gene taught fifth grade in Logan. While there, a farm on the river, just a few miles west of where Gene grew up, came up for sale. Gene and Avis purchased the farm and immediately began fixing it., Their fourth child, Gregory, was born in 1971.
Gene worked the farm and continued to teach in Logan for 13 years. He then decided to take a break from teaching so he could focus on the farm, but that was short-lived. In 1982, he became the Principal at Bogue Elementary School. Gene enjoyed 15 years of being the school principal before his retirement in 1997. In 1983, their fifth child, Stephanie, was born. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the family, and Stephanie died at the age of three and a half. It was a difficult time; but faith, family and friends helped them all move forward.
Gene always enjoyed caring for livestock and raising animals. It provided great opportunities for the kids and grandkids over the years to learn how to do chores and properly care for the animals. Animal care always came first. They never ran out of fresh water and the hoses were drained in winter. There were always cows and a horse or two, but over the years there were pigs, chickens, rabbits, goats, dogs, chukars, geese, Wisconsin calves and whatever else he might run across that needed care. Dorinda and Joletta even learned how to milk dairy goats! Gene loved a good horse or a good dog. He always said, “One dog is a good dog, but two dogs are a half of a dog.” He was a founding member of the Solomon Valley Gundog Club. Gene enjoyed hunting and raised and trained hunting dogs and, along the way, a Miniature Schnauzer or two.
Gene’s retirement years were not quiet years. He spent his time on the farm, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and opening his special grandkid Solomon Valley Beaver Turkey Country School. Grandkids spent their days with Pepe (grandfather in French) riding the four-wheeler along the river, participating in gate opening/closing etiquette, 5-6 pick-up sticks, lessons on thermos carrying without spilling any water or coffee and life lessons in general. There was also a physical education component as Pepe would send many of his grandchildren off to the races as he called for his pipe, chew or spittoon to be brought to him as he relaxed in his recliner. He also introduced many of his nephews and grandsons to chewing tobacco!
Gene was the king of his castle. He seldom lost a game of checkers or cards, and he didn’t believe in letting you win or giving consolation prizes. He was the bingo caller at every family Christmas. The times Gene fixed supper were rare, but when he did, it was usually his famous pancakes with the crispy edges, tomato soup, Vienna sausages, crackers, or stewed tomatoes. Those meals usually ended with a spread of peanut butter and syrup mixed together and slathered on a thick slice of white bread. He loved watching TV shows such as Gunsmoke, The Virginian or any old western. He also relished having a nice cup of coffee at the local café to hear the news or have a good debate.
Tractor time with Gene was the best. The days were long, but never wasted. Tractor time meant listening to Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story” on KFRM radio, math multiplication lessons, states and capitols and finger tricks such as “Witch’s Finger Pie” or “The Devil’s Crunch.” After lunch and a quick nap, Gene would rally everyone to get back to work with a resounding, “Let’s go!”
Towards the end of his life, Gene began to slow down, and dementia soon became an ugly reality. However, even though many memories slipped away from Gene, his family will never forget his quick wit and orneriness. They still laugh at his favored goodbye, “See you around the mall!”
Preceding Gene in death are his parents; his daughter Stephanie Jean; brother, Albert Jr., sister Betty McNabb and grandson Trevor Bailey. Gene is survived by his wife of 63 years, Avis; four children: Dorinda (Daniel) Bailey, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Joletta (Ken) Boyer, Fort Collins, Colorado, Curt (Kelly) Hamel, Hill City and Gregory (Tanya) Hamel, Damar, Kansas; brothers: Ronald Hamel, Plainville and Alvin Hamel, Damar; sisters: Tina Bobek, Dorothy (Bob) Staab, and Kayleen (Danny) Lamb all of Plainville; 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
The family is forever grateful for the love and support they have been shown at this time. We remember and celebrate Gene. Sad today, but hopeful for tomorrow, for “Tomorrow is a new day.” And we’re sure that Gene is chuckling and eagerly waiting for the day when he’ll be able to “see you around the mall!”
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