Gene Council McCracken

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. - Gene Council McCracken, 94, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, in Lee's Summit, Mo. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m Friday, May 30, at Community of Christ, 332 Griffing Drive in Billings. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at Culbertson Cemetery.

Gene was born on Jan. 19, 1920, to Harvey and Ruth (Council) McCracken at the family home in Bainville, Mont. At age 2, Gene went to live with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Council of Culbertson, where he resided until graduation from Culbertson High School in 1938. Gene was active in athletics during his high school years. He joined the 163rd infantry of the National Guard while in high school and served for three years, advancing to the position of corporal. Gene met the love of his life, Alfay J. (Finnicum). They married Aug. 30, 1938, and shared 70 years together. Gene worked for the U.S. Government as Culbertson Fairgrounds' night watchman until moving to Bainville in 1939. There he managed the Fairview Mill Grain elevator until 1942 when he went to work for Great Northern Railroad as a depot operator. During 17 years with the railroad, he worked at Fairview, Snowden and Bainville. The McCracken family moved to Culbertson in 1959; however, Gene continued to work for the railroad until 1960, when he began working in the Culbertson Gamble Store and became owner/manager of Gene's Grocery. February 1965, Gene became Administrator of Roosevelt Memorial Hospital. In 1971, he advanced to Administrator of Poplar Community Hospital. He served as Administrator of Phillips County Hospital in Malta, Mont., from 1972 to retirement in 1984. Gene and Alfay retired in Billings. Gene faithfully served Community of Christ church as member and leader. He was active in community organizations, such as city council and mayor of Bainville. He accepted president and district offices in PTA and served as trustee of the Culbertson School Board. Professionally, Gene was President of the District Montana Hospital Association.

Gene is survived by children, Gene McCracken (Eleanor), Las Vegas, Nev., Sheran Long (David), Lee's Summit, Thomas McCracken (Bonnie), Ashland, Ore., Warren McCracken (Kathy), Leander, Texas, Joe McCracken (Leah), Bigfork, Mont., DeAnne Dunsdon (Ronald), Fort Dodge, Iowa, Mara Dale Gryder (Rog), Alliance, Neb.; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mary Parkins and Montana Finnicum; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Alfay J. McCracken (2008); parents, Harvey and Ruth McCracken; brothers, Harvey McCracken Jr., Charles McCracken (Gail), William McCracken (Hope); sisters Verna Goff (Harvey) and Ina Johnson (Meril).

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)