Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Littell, 87, of Burden, Kansas, passed away early Sunday morning, February 26, 2012 at the Kansas Veterans' Home in Winfield.

Born May 14, 1924 in Potwin, Kansas, he was the son of Harley Sr. and Esther (Fair) Littell. He was raised and received his education in Burden graduating from Burden High School in 1942. After school Gene joined the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country in World War II. Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, he returned home to Burden.

Gene was united in marriage to Lucile "Ruth" Dyer on April 28, 1946 in Columbus, Kansas. The couple made their first home in Wichita, where Gene began working as a postal carrier. They later returned to Burden, and Gene opened a barber shop which he owned and operated for several years. In the late 1960's he would return to school at Southwestern College in Winfield. He graduated from Southwestern in 1971 with a bachelors degree. He then began his career as a teacher and a coach. He taught at Wellington, Dexter, Leon and Fairfield. He retired from teaching in 1988. In 2008 Gene and Ruth moved to Winfield.

Gene was a member of the Burden Baptist Church, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an avid baseball, basketball, and football fan, and particularly loved the St. Louis Cardinals. He especially enjoyed following his son's coaching career and attending his grandsons' sporting events.

His family includes:
His wife: Ruth Littell of Winfield;
His daughter: Eadie McLain and husband, Bob of Arkansas City;
His son: James Littell and wife, Barb of Stillwater, OK;
His brother: Roland Littell of AR;
His sister: Esther Brunton of St. Joseph, MO;
His grandchildren: Kenny; Kasey; Andrea; Jerame; Jon; Jaci; and
His special friends: Perry Bruner and George Lowe (his sports buddies).

In addition to his parents Gene was preceded in death by two brothers, Harley Jr., Littell and James Littell and two sisters, Luetta Thomas and June Cummings.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 2:00 P.M., at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Burden Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made in Mr. Littell's name to the Kansas Veterans' Home or to the Twin Rivers Activity Fund. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.