Avis "Gene" Eugene Hartsell

Avis "Gene" Eugene Hartsell passed from this life Friday, March 6, 2020, in Marlow, Oklahoma at the age of 89.  Of all the things Gene loved, perhaps it was his art that most defined him and gave the most pleasure to those around him.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2020 at Yanda & Son Funeral Home, Yukon, Oklahoma.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at the Chisholm Trail Church of Christ in Duncan, Oklahoma with Leonard Keele officiating.  Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Yukon Cemetery, Yukon, Oklahoma.

Gene was born on Wednesday, July 16, 1930, to Rural Avis Hartsell and Mary Pauline Akin Hartsell in Rogers, Arkansas.   His father was a Minister of the Gospel during the Great Depression, which led him to often leave home in search of work.  Gene attended 23 different schools throughout his childhood.  As young as seven years old, Gene was often left to be the caregiver of his family of five.  Gene said that these early experiences shaped his thinking.  His earliest resolve was "Somehow, I shall equip and educate myself to such a degree, that when I am grown, neither my family nor I will ever have to go without food or raiment again."

After high school, Gene had a football scholarship to Oklahoma A&M, being an All-State football player at Okemah.  About half of the Aggie freshman class of football players were in the National Guard, including Gene.

In 1950, Gene met Erma Jo Morris at a church revival.  They fell in love and married on March 6, 1951, at Camp Polk, Louisiana. His father officiated the wedding.  Three weeks later, he was shipped out to fight in the Korean War.  Gene was a Master Sergeant in the 180 ^th Infantry Regiment, 45 ^th Division.

After the war, Gene attended Hill's Business College in Oklahoma City and Central State College in Edmond.  He lettered in both football and track and ultimately received a Master's Degree in Education.

Gene was an educator teaching for 32 years.  He was principal of Yukon Junior High School and Yukon High School from 1960-1974.  From 1974-1985 he was a graphic arts instructor at the Canadian Valley Area Vo-Tech School.  Up until 1964, his artwork was more of a hobby, but at that time he began seriously studying watercolor.  To supplement his income, Gene used his strong avocation for art and sold more than 4,000 of his watercolors.  Several national galleries have featured his work.  His work was also displayed in the Oklahoma State Capitol, the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Governor's Mansion, and in a great number of local one-man shows. His paintings have been published in several magazines, and major corporations including Hallmark have used his art in Christmas cards and magazine covers.  He specialized in Oklahoma landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers. He also did pen-and-ink drawings and calligraphy.

Born to Gene and Jo were two daughters, Abby Lynn in 1960 and Amy Beth in 1964.  Gene was a wonderful husband and father who devoted himself to his family.  Gene and Jo were married for 44 years until her passing in 1995.

Gene served as an elder at the Cornwell Drive Church of Christ in Yukon. Gene often described this honor as one of his greatest privileges, outside of his family. After the loss of his wife Jo, Gene began his life of travel to all seven continents including trips to Egypt, Israel, China, New Zealand, Antarctica and numerous other countries.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, father, mother, two brothers (Dal and James), and sister (Mary).

He is survived by his daughters, Abby King and Amy (Joel) LeWarne; seven grandchildren, Kendra (Jackson) Lahmeyer, Katy (Brody) Gustafson, Kaleb (Megan) King. Zabrian (Samantha) King, Elizabeth (Justin) Ejtehadi, David Guymer, and Emily (Tanner) Guymer; 10 great-grandchildren, Hannah, Ashton, Blitz, Park, Sophia, Luna, Eva, Guy, Leilani and Laken; three step-grandchildren, Brooke (Max) Freund, Neil (Kate) LeWarne and Nick (Lauren) LeWarne.

The family would like to extend thanks to Kindful Hospice, Gregston's Nursing Home and Dr. Mike Sabedra for their compassionate care.  Memorials may be directed to Camp LuJo KISMIF, P. O. Box 233, Lawton, Oklahoma 73502, and the Iowa River Hospice, 502 Plaza Heights Rd, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158.