Gene Hendren

GENE HENDREN Aug. 10, 1925 – Jan. 1, 2011 Gene was born in Cooper, Oklahoma on the 10th day of August, 1925.  He passed away comfortably on the 1st of January.  The son of Byrd and Lila Hendren. He was one of seven siblings.  Gene moved to the Northwest as a young boy in 1935,  where he grew up and lived in the Stayton area most of his life.  He loved fishing, and was an avid hunter.  He also enjoyed the many years having worked as a logger.  At the age of 17, Gene joined the Navy and served our country with courage and valor.  He took part in 5 of the 7 most intensive invasions of WWII.  He was awarded many medals and ribbons, including the purple heart.  He was a member of the Santiam Canyon VFW Post #5638 for many years, and donated a lot of time and money to the post as a very active member. Gene is survived by his sisters, Elva Killinger, Vera Mae Sidwell and Jan Johnson all of the Portland area; brother, Trent Hendren of Arizona; as well as his companion of many years, Rose Boese; many nephews and nieces, including Floyd Hendren of Salem and Mary Elaine Miles of Lebanon.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Leo and sister, Evelyn Haynes. The family wishes to thank Willamette Valley Hospice for all their care and to Mary Elaine Miles, a loving and dedicated niece who saw to Gene’s needs and care for the last two years. Visitation will be Wed. Jan. 5th from 9 am – 5 pm at Weddle Funeral Chapel, Stayton, Oregon. Funeral service with military honors will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland,  on Thurs. Jan. 6th at 11:00 am. Memorials may be made to the VFW Post #5638. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services. Online condolences to Weddle-Funeral.com