Eugene Philip Normandin, 95, entered eternal life April 2, 2026 . Gene was born to Norman and Irene (Benoit) Normandin, January 6, 1931. At the time of his birth, his dad was working in Bogue for the railroad, and the family lived in a boxcar. Needless to say Gene liked to tell everyone that he was born in a boxcar. Gene was the fourth child of 10 children and spent most of his life in Damar. He attended school there and graduated from Damar High School in 1949. Following graduation, he served his country in the Armed Forces.
Gene and Anna Mae Belisle were joined in Holy Matrimony, May 28, 1951. Gene and Anna were blessed with seven children: Michael, Vicki, Timothy, John, Arthur, David and Ivan. Anna Mae dies suddenly May 10, 2002, just 18 days shy of their 51st Wedding Anniversary. Three years after Anna's death, Gene married Helen Kaus, Novemeber 25, 2005.
Gene was the Damar Postmaster for many years. That was his regular job up until he retired. After his retirement, if you wanted to find Gene, he was at Ivan and Pam’s house drinking his morning coffee, laughing and maybe even trying to solve the problems of the world! Postmaster was not the only job Gene held. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a very active member of the Damar Knights of Columbus. He served as the Grand Knight and was the council’s financial secretary for 46 years. He also organized the K of C annual Royals baseball trips. For many hunting seasons, he organized groups of hunters from Missouri and Colorado.
Gene was a Jack-of-All Trades kind of guy. He could and would do anything for anybody. If there was a project in Damar, no matter what it was, Gene was there willing and able. He was a devoted husband and raised his family in faith and love. His children learned many life lessons that they continue today.
Gene is leaving a legacy of faith and love to those he loved dearly: his wife: Helen; his children: Vicki and husband Rusty Wells of Damar, Michael and Sandy of Westminster, Colorado, Ivan and Pam of Damar; brothers: Alfred of Poquoson, Virginia, and Donald of Damar; a sister, Odella Huhmann of Tuscumbia Missouri; step children: Mike Kaus of Bison, Dona and husband Shorty Kulhanek of Colby, Ronald and wife Charlene Kaus of Colby, Christine Kaus of Salina, Susan and husband Gary Hillebrand of Norton, Kenneth and wife Marion Kaus of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Preceding him in death was his first wife, Anna Mae; his sons: Timothy, John, Arthur, and David; his sisters: Norma Jean Bellerive, Mary Ann Meyers; brothers: Richard, Louis, Melvin and Duane; Lora(the wife of Mike Kaus) and Paul Kaus.
Wake service for Gene and visitation will be Sunday April 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Damar, Kansas
Funeral Service for Gene will be Monday April 13, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Damar, Kansas
Memorials suggested for The Damar Knights of Columbus or Masses. Contributions may be sent to Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy Ave. Hill City, Kansas.