Gene Lewis Badders

Gene Lewis Badders, 91, died on Monday, September 15, 2025, at WellSpan York Hospital.

He was the husband of JoAnn K. (Sweitzer) Badders, sharing 13 years of marriage.

Gene was born in Street, Maryland, on July 8, 1934, son of the late Milford Alexander and Willie Dean (Pruett) Badders.

Gene was a stone mason and all-around handyman. He was in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years, serving during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Calvary Chapel of Delta, Shriners Hospital International, Summerville Masonic Lodge No. 234 F&AM, and the former VFW Fawn Grove Post 7133. Gene enjoyed going to country and bluegrass music events. He loved spending winters in Arizona, riding side-by-sides in the desert with his wife.

In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by four children: Debra Smithson and her husband, Ricky; Christine Jessup and her husband, Joe; James "Tom" Badders and his wife, Mary Beth; and Cindy Badders. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Howard Badders, and his wife, Jean.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris (Mills) Badders; his granddaughter, Whitney Griffith; two sisters, Helen and Merna; and his brother, James.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Calvary Chapel of Delta, 5911 Delta Road, Delta, PA 17314. Military honors presented by the York County Veterans Honor Guard will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church, immediately followed by a memorial service with Pastor Doug McClean officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There will also be a celebration of life held in the spring, which will be announced at a later date. Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 134 W. Broadway, Red Lion, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital, Attn: Shriners Children's Processing Center, 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.