Gene Neil Converse

Eugene Neal Converse passed away on May 15, 2009. He passed peacefully at his home with family and friends surrounding him.

Gene was born on March 24, 1940 in Shelley, Idaho to Willis Charles “Slim” and Beulah Aliene Johnson Converse. He was the second of three children. As a child his father worked construction and so his family moved often.

Gene married Hilda Joan Beasley in 1958. Together they had three boys and one daughter, Rick, Rod, Terry and Candice. They were later divorced. He married Barbara Lee Fowler Stoddard in 1979. She brought with her a young son, Stephen. They also had a daughter Krista. He met and fell in love with his current companion Rhea Hickman in 1990. They have spent many happy years together.

Gene worked construction and loved to hunt, fish and camp. He built small houses from willows which was quite an accomplishment because of the arthritis he had in his hands. He had lots of friends and loved to be around people.

He is survived by his loving companion, Rhea of Chubbuck; three sons, Rick and Terry of Pocatello; Rod of Idaho Falls; one daughter, Candice of Pocatello; one brother, Willis (Carol) of Kearns, Utah; one sister, Shirley (Almy) Robinson of Blackfoot; 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, Joan and Barbara, one son, Stephen, one daughter, Krista, and one granddaughter, Amanda.

The family would like to express their thanks to Creekside Hospice.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday May 21, 2009 at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley. The family will receive friends Thursday 11:30 till 12:40 prior to service. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.