At the age of 88 Gene comfortably passed away Wed., Dec. 9, 2015 in Pinedale, AZ. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen Altstatt; brother, Bob; parents Bob and Lillie; and his life-long friends Gene Field and Frank and Elaine Sliver, his hunting and fishing buddies. Lynnette, his wife of 68 years, will continue the family legacy. Gene was the loving, gentle father of Stephany (Derek) Van Dyke, Laurie (Galen) Flinn, and Gene, Jr. (Marsha) Simon. He delighted in his grandchildren Vanessa, Christian, Chelsea and Lindsey Van Dyke; Mark and Andy Flinn; and Nicole and David Simon. Also following in “Grandpa Great’s” footsteps are great grandchildren Simon, Cooper, Liam, Lexi, Tylie, Brandon, and Aspen. Also he leaves his cherished sister Evelyn Cox.Gene was named “The Oracle” by his family because of his integrity, knowledge, and wise counsel. In WWII he served in the Navy. He went on to become an attorney in Phoenix, AZ and an AZ Superior Court Judge Pro Tem. Quietly he lived his faith as a Christian. He served on the church board of Asbury Methodist Church in Phoenix and was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Show Low. He was a member of The Lion’s Club and taught English to Vietnamese immigrants. He built two homes himself, created beautiful wood pieces, and grew abundant gardens of flowers and vegetables.A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Grace Lutheran Church, 700 S 19th Ave., Show Low with a reception to follow. <a href="http://www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com/"><img src="http://owenslivingstonmortuary.com/sitemaker/sites/OwensL1/images/TransparentLogo.png" border="0"></a>