Gayle Gaddis

Gayle "Gene" Gaddis, age 85, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

He was born on January 6, 1939, in Waverly, Kansas, the son of Gayle and Ellen (Lewis) Gaddis. He attended school in Waverly and served a short time in the U.S. Navy before being honorably discharged. Gene quickly grew the passion for truck driving like his dad which turned into a lifelong career.

Gene was united in marriage to Judy Ann Croan on December 14, 1965, in Centerville, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children.

He was an over the road truck driver for over 50 years. Gene and Judy also known as "Shaker and his Cupcake" team drove together for 25 years. Gene also had his Schnauzer sidekick, Sadee Gene by his side for many miles of his adventures. Gene enjoyed stopping when possible to pick up roadside treasures that could benefit someone they knew. His travels enabled him to site see and stop along many casinos throughout the country. Although he loved to gamble, it was 25 cents at a time earning him the nickname Squeaky Wheels. Gene enjoyed collecting coins and sharing that passion with his grandkids with the coin books he created for them. Gene had a love for being on the fields, coaching his families softball teams as well as umpiring baseball and softball. His competitive side even reached to the bowling league he competed in. Gene had a loving sense of humor and always had an ornery way about him. Gene's jokes always had a surprise ending because he would often forget the punchline!

Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Gaddis; daughter, Donna (Grant) Fisher of Lubbock, Texas; sons, Matthew Gaddis of San Diego, California; Michael (Amber) Gaddis of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother, Albert Gaddis of Waverly, Kansas; sisters, Joyce Day of Topeka, Kansas and Caroyln Baumann of San Antonio, Texas; five grandchildren; Austin Fisher, Landon Fisher, Abigail Gaddis, Lillian Gaddis, Jacquelynn Gaddis.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Waverly Cemetery in Waverly, Kansas. His family will greet friends on Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 219 S. Oak St., Garnett, Kansas 66032. Memorial contributions may be made to W.I.N.G.S. or ACARF and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.