Ellis "Gene" Wolfe

Ellis Gene Wolfe September 11, 1939 – January 13, 2025

Ellis Gene Wolfe, known as Gene to his family and friends, age 85, of Clinton, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, January 13, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Gene was born September 11, 1939, in Hermitage, Arkansas, to John Silas and Melisse Catherine (Gaston) Wolfe. He grew up in the Possum Valley area, moving frequently as his family worked as sharecroppers. Gene graduated from Crossett High School in Crossett, Arkansas, before dedicating 20 years to serving his country in the U.S. Air Force. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1977, with notable service at Clinton Sherman Air Force Base in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, and McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas.

In 1960, Gene married Dorothy Mae Case in Clinton, Oklahoma. After her passing, he married Joan Kress on March 25, 1983.

Following his military career, Gene worked at Williams Electric in Clinton, where he became a licensed electrician and continued his work until retiring in July 2015. A proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gene held many positions within the church, reflecting his deep faith and dedication to service.

Gene was a man of many passions. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping with his children. He loved woodworking, building furniture, and flying planes, even using his pilot's license to assist Williams Electric. Gene also gave his time generously as a Cub and Boy Scout leader.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Dorothy Mae; three brothers, John Henry, Alfred Turner, and Tommy Harold; and four sisters, Minnie Lee, Eva Mae, Maud Katherine, and Mamie Nona.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Wolfe, of the home; his children: Douglas G. Wolfe (Shawn R.) of Argyle, Texas; Craig A. Wolfe (Robin I.) of Clinton, Oklahoma; Frank C. Wolfe (Suzanne M.) of Oklahoma City; Aaron E. Wolfe of Tulsa; Shawn L. Guthrie (Lorena) of Elk City; Brian Guthrie of Oregon; and his daughter, Tiffany M. Blevins (Scott) of Utah.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at South 28th Street and Modelle Avenue in Clinton. Bishop Bob Keeton will officiate, and burial will follow in the Veterans Section of Clinton Cemetery. Services are under the loving direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.