William Eugene "Gene" McLaughlin, 78, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away early Sunday morning, September 15, 2019 at Winfield Rest Haven.

Born November 1, 1940 in Peru, Kansas, he was the son of William "Bill" and Alice (Miller) McLaughlin. He was raised and received his education in Chautauqua, Kansas, graduating from Chautauqua High School in 1958. After school, Gene went to work in the oil fields. He married Linda Daniels on February 5, 1963. The couple made their home in Chautauqua until 1969 when Gene began working for Shore and Son Construction. They traveled the next several years with his construction job. Gene and Linda had four children and later divorced.

He was united in marriage to Janet Henry in 1978 in Arkansas City, Kansas. The couple made their home in Dexter until moving to Sedan in 1979. While in Sedan, Gene worked for Hutton Saltwater Service driving a saltwater truck. The couple later moved back to Dexter where Gene served as Fire Chief in the late 1980's and early 1990's. Gene and Janet owned many restaurants during their marriage, including the 160 Café in Burden. They were well known for their chicken fried steak. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Janet preceded him in death on September 3, 2019.

His family includes his sons, Robert Randall and wife, Andy of Dexter; Dale Randall and wife, Donna of Dexter; Colbert McLaughlin and wife, Debra of Winfield; Justin McLaughlin of Arkansas City; his step-children, Gary Chadwell of Winfield; Kathy Chadwell Fisher and husband, Jef of Jensen Beach, FL; Candise Henry of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Leora Henry Dye of Twin Peaks, CA; and his 26 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gene was preceded in death by two grandsons, Danny Betthauser and Matthew McLaughlin, a great granddaughter, Hailey Dawn, and two step-children, Jerry Chadwell and Gustava Chadwell.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 4 to 8. The family will greet visitors from 4 to 6 that evening.