Ronald E. “Gene” Scheid, 84, of Hiawatha, died Monday evening, September 19, 2016, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha where he had been a resident December 2015.

Gene was born October 7, 1931, in Netawaka, Kansas, the youngest of two sons of the late Alfred and Lillie Dean Chiles Scheid.

Gene attended the Lawn Ridge and Whiting grade schools prior to graduating from Whiting High School in 1949.  He was a US Navy veteran of the Korean War.  Gene served aboard the U.S.S. Binkley Bass in the Pacific Fleet, from June 1952 through November 1955.  After leaving the Navy, he attended several annual Navy reunions and enjoyed the camaraderie of his former shipmates.

Upon release from the military, Gene began working for Nabisco Brands, Inc., in the operations management department, in Topeka, Kansas; the company later relocated him to St. Louis.  Gene was with Nabisco for nearly 28 years.

Gene Scheid came to Hiawatha, Kansas in September of 1983, and worked at the Casselman Meek Funeral Home for several years.  He later served as a deputy treasurer for Brown County before retiring in February of 1987.  Gene was a member of the Bethany United Church of Christ in Hiawatha; and a member of VFW Post No. 5210, also of Hiawatha.

He married Beulah Grace Salsberry on April 27, 1957, in Whiting, Kansas.  She preceded him in death June 26, 1980.  Gene was also preceded in death by his daughter Marlene K. Burroughs, who died July 26, 1997; and a stepson Randel J. Colvin, who passed on October 19, 1988.
Gene married the late Ramona Leffert Brammer on November 20, 1982, in Hiawatha, Kansas.  They were married for 21 years.

Gene is survived by a brother, Delbert J. Scheid, and his wife Agnes, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; two grandchildren:  Larry Fitzgerald, wife Jessica and great-grandchildren Aiden and Riley of Boynton Beach, Florida; his granddaughter Lisa M. Cole, husband Jason, and great-granddaughters Aubrey and Lila, reside in Seattle, WA.  Gene is survived by one stepson Rod Colvin of Omaha, Nebraska.  Gene also has nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Gene’s life is planned for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 24, at the Bethany United Church of Christ in Hiawatha, with Pastor Shane Spangler officiating.  Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery, Whiting, KS.  Military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, after 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, and after 9 a.m. Saturday at the Church. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at the Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Spring Hill Cemetery Association, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com