Warren Gene Gautney

Warren Gene Gautney died Friday, January 7, 2011 at the Payson Care Center in Payson, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 75 years old. Gene, as he was known by everyone, was born on June 2, 1935 in Killen, Lauderdale County, Alabama to the late Homer Lee and Florence Helen (Tayes) Gautney. Following his high school graduation he attended college for a few years. He worked his whole adult life as a pipe fitter and was able to live in many states throughout the United States. Gene was a life long member of the Pipe Fitter Local Union #211 based out of Houston, Texas. He also was a BTJ Steam Fitter Retiree, and from the devoted service to his chosen career, he received a gold watch as a token of their appreciation. On January 14, 1977, Gene married Diana (Yeamans) Edwards in Richardson, Texas. Next week they would have celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary together. As far as Diana was concerned "he was just perfect". They moved to Arizona following their wedding and lived several years in the White Mountains including Show Low. The past 21 years they lived east of Holbrook where they made their house a home. They loved the beauty they found throughout the state of Arizona. Gene loved his family greatly. Even though they lived many miles and some several states apart, he always maintained a good and positive relationship by talking regularly with them by telephone. He looked forward to chatting with each of his children and grandchildren as well as his sisters. Warren was also an avid "Treasure Hunter." He loved to go on regular adventurous treasure hunts using his metal detector. Gene even had his own theory as to the location of the legendary "Lost Dutchman's Mine" at the Superstition Mountains. That theory fueled his determination to find it and he literally spent countless hours looking for the hidden treasure there. This one-of-a-kind man will be missed by his family which include: his wife, Diana Gautney of Holbrook, Arizona; 2 daughters: Laura Adams (Chuck) of Atlanta, Georgia, Alana Hernandez (Rolando) of Alvin, Texas; 2 step-sons: Charles Perry "Bo" Edwards of Peoria, Arizona, Steven Edwards of Peoria, Arizona; 2 sisters: Christine Wilson of Florence, Alabama, Irene Burbank (Alvin) of Center Star, Alabama; 4 grandsons: Chip, Michael, Robbie, Jacob; 4 great-granddaughters: Shelby, Olivia, Alexis, Jayden; 2 step-grandchildren: C.J. Edwards and Cassie Edwards and is also survived by his mother-in-law, Viola Yeamans of Houston, Texas. Warren was preceded in death by: a sister, Flora Dison; 3 brothers: Maples Gautney, Cecil Gautney and Bill Gautney. In keeping with Gene's wishes his ashes will be laid to rest in the Arizona Desert that he loved so much.