
Gene was a graduate of North Little Rock High School class of 1957 and enjoyed going to his class reunions. Gene served in the United States Navy and was Honorably Discharged. He also served his church for many years in the First United Methodist Church in Mena as an usher and a trustee. Gene greatest passion in life was serving as a Scout Master in the Boy Scouts of America for 58 years. He enjoyed every aspect of scouting and taking the boys on their yearly float trip to the Buffalo and White Rivers. He retired from Rockwell International as an Electrical Engineer for 37 years before retiring to Mena. He was involved in the Republican Party hosting the Mr. Rockefeller when he came to Mena to speak. He enjoyed his HAM Radio. Gene was known for his generous spirit, integrity, honesty, dependability, steadfast personality, and above all his love for the Lord and his love for his family.
Gene is survived by, his wife of 43 years, Johnnie Wenzel of Mena; his sons, Brad Wenzel of Dallas, Texas, Wayne Fletcher of Irving, Texas and Gene Fletcher of Billings, Montana; his daughter, Juanell Montoya of Kerens, Texas; one sister, Carol Smith of Great Bend, Kansas; seven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; eight nieces; nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by, his parents.
A celebration of Gene’s life will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Mena. Cremation services entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s memory can be made to First United Methodist Church at 501 9th Street, Mena, AR 71953 or Caddo Area Council – Boy Scouts of America, 24 Lynnwood Drive, Texarkana, Texas, 75503.
Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
I enjoyed working with Gene for many years in the CRG division of Collins/Rockwell during the 1960’s and 1970’s.