Eugene R. “Gene” Warne, 88, Montesano resident died Dec. 19, 2019, at the home he built in Montesano, Washington.

Gene was born on Jan. 19, 1931, on the family farm in Larimore, North Dakota to Edwin and Lillian (Braaten) Warne. He grew up on the farm and at the age of 9, started working the farm, operating the tractors and machinery and working with the livestock. He then went to work for a contractor operating a D8 Caterpillar and other equipment. He also worked at the Air Base outside of Grand Forks, North Dakota.

On Oct. 18, 1950, Gene married Marlys June Holweger in Larimore, North Dakota.

In 1962, they picked up and moved to Aberdeen, Washington where he built homes, including his own under his own business, Reliable Builders he also opened and operated Market Street Furniture and the Waterbed Palace.

He was a member of the Montesano Moose Lodge #1210, and was involved with the designing and building of the new Lodge. He was a member of the Aberdeen Eagles, FOE #24 and Calvary Lutheran Church in Aberdeen. He enjoyed coin collecting, bowling, stock car racing, wood crafts, playing cards, music and traveling.

Gene is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marlys Warne of Montesano, Washington; sons: Jon (Kimberly) Warne, Roger Warne and Randal (Connie) Warne all of Montesano, Washington; Daughters: Cheryl (Dave) Green of Waubun, Minnesota, Deborah Fry and Kristi Helms both of Montesano, Washington; Lizette (Colin) Baudais of Aberdeen, Washington; a brother, Ronald Warne of Elma, Washington; sisters: Betty Schlaht of Montesano, Washington, Maxine Cogburn of Aberdeen, Washington and Penny Rae Johnson of Elma, Washington; 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren with one on the way! Gene was preceded in death by sisters, Charlotte Walberg and Marlene Willig; great-granddaughter, Danielle Hope Krulich; and two sons-In-law: Jay Helms and Stan Fry.

There will be a celebration of Gene’s life on Friday, Jan. 3rd at 1 p.m. at the Montesano Moose Lodge, Montesano, Washington.

A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.