GORDON E. "GENE" HETZEL, 79, departed this earthly world to join his Heavenly Father on September 15, 2013.

Born August 3, 1934 in Richmond, Kansas he was the son of Gordon Hetzel and Hazel Affolter, who preceded him in death. Gene grew up living in Kansas and Missouri and attended Paseo High School; Lincoln University; Kansas City Kansas Community College; Washburn University; and Wichita State University.

Gene enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in October 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1955. He proudly served in the Korean War and was awarded the United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Medal for his service.

Following the military service, Gene was married to Patsy Ann Robinson on July 21, 1959 in Linn, Missouri. They later moved to Kansas City, Kansas where he embarked upon a career in law enforcement as a Road Patrolman with the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Department until 1966.

During the 1970's, Gene focused his career on corrections and served as a Correctional Officer; Correctional Sergeant and Correctional Lieutenant with the Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing, Kansas. In these roles, he was responsible for maximum security of inmates and specialized in special problem cases involving inmates in protective custody and serving disciplinary sentences.

During the 1980's, Gene continued his career with the Kansas Department of Corrections and served as the Assistant to the Director of the Kansas State Penitentiary; A Unit Team Supervisor; Acting Director of Programs; and the Deputy Director of Programs. In these roles, Gene outlined correctional programs; developed parole plans; investigated inmate complaints and served as Chairman of the disciplinary board and Programs Management Committee.

In 1984, Gene was selected to become the Director of the Winfield Pre-Release Correctional Facility in Winfield, Kansas; a new and innovative facility designed to prepare inmates for their return to society. In this role, which he held until his retirement in August 1996, Gene was instrumental in the development of the facility and programs. Through his strength of character, kind manner, and sense of professionalism, Gene earned the respect of both co-workers and inmates who came to know him.

Gene was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas and the American Correctional Officers Association. He was an avid reader with thousands of books in his personal library. He also loved life and could often be found traveling with Patsy; tinkering with his clocks in his work shop and visiting local garage sales in search of that special treasure. Through his leadership, love and mentoring, he touched the lives of many young men and women, including his family.

Survivors include:
His loving wife of 54 years: Patsy Ann of Winfield, Kansas;
Three brothers: Richard L. Hetzel (Cheryl Mothes) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Ronnie G. Hetzel (Karen) of Reseda, California; Floyd E. Sullens of Jefferson City, Missouri; and
His daughter: Lisa Vesey of Ottawa, Kansas.
Gene's extended family also includes many loving family members in Kansas and Missouri.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. The family will greet visitors on Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 P.M.

Memorials have been established in Gene's name for the Kansas Veterans Home and for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.