Alvin Gene Gaut, 79, Pleasant Valley, MO, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at his home.

He was born on June 30, 1934, at Valley Falls, KS, the son of Clarence W. and Trilby Blanche Manchester Gaut. He graduated from Valley Falls High School. Gene served in the US Navy as a Fire Technician during the Korean War and sailed in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He served on the USS Isherwood and the USS Witek.

Gene worked for many years as an Optical Technician at Langley Optical Co. in Lenexa, KS. He married Juanita Foster on Jan. 4, 1956, at Valley Falls. They were divorced.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda Klaes, Flagler Beach, FL, and Lorie Thomasson, Gardner, KS; a companion, Kally Ballard, of the home; a twin sister, June Boyce, Valley Falls; five grandchildren, Nathanial Westgate, Amy Fulco, Chad Brouhard, Tyler Brouhard and Lindsey Thomasson; and four great-grandchildren, Truly Ayers, Madylin Fulco, Ryin Brouhard and Eugene Westgate.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Franklin Dale Gaut and Robert W. Gaut; and a sister, Lola Bell Church.

A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial will follow with US Navy military honors at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to Liberty Hospital Hospice and sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.