Gene Raymond Hinkle of Basehor, KS passed away October 31, 2024, at the age of 80.

Gene was born to Lloyd Newton and Mary Rachel Hinkle on December 20th, 1943, in Wichita, KS. Gene’s childhood was spent in Wichita where he graduated from Wichita North High School in 1962. Gene was a great athlete and played basketball, as well as ran the hurdles in track. Gene loved music and played the trumpet and bass in the high school band. He continued his education as a Shocker at Wichita State University. 

Gene married his high school sweetheart, Norma Sue Whitt, on August 8, 1964. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage before his passing. Gene and Norma were a great example of a lifetime of friendship and love. Gene and Norma had one son, Bradley Gene Hinkle, born May 28, 1968. Brad and his wife, Marti, had three beautiful daughters that were Papa Gene’s pride and joy! Aubri, Loren and Briana have all chosen careers in the medical field which made Gene very proud.

He spent most of his career at Learjet in Wichita. He retired as a Director in October of 2003 after 40 years of employment. Part of his duties included giving tours to high-ranking individuals and dignitaries. Him and Norma moved shortly after to the Kansas City area to be closer to their granddaughters. 

Gene loved all sports. Most of all, he loved watching his son and granddaughters play sports. He spent many years coaching Brad and his nephews in basketball and baseball. He coached youth basketball through the Biddy Basketball League in Wichita for many years. He was in the Biddy Hall of Fame. He enjoyed any opportunity to teach young athletes. 

Gene was a great American and loved his Country. He took great pride in his years of serving his Country in the Airforce. He joined the service in 1968 as a flight mechanic where he was stationed in Korea. He was the youngest grandson of a United States Civil War Veteran. He was a history buff and a great storyteller. He had a gift of making others laugh with his great stories and history lessons. He took every opportunity to share his wealth of information with his granddaughters.

Gene was all about family. He was truly a patriarch, respected by all. He attended every activity possible for his son, granddaughters, nieces and nephews. He loved photography and was always “on location” getting the best possible pics of his family’s activities including piano recitals, school activities, soccer, volleyball and track. Everyone could count on Papa for the ultimate action shots. His many photos are an invaluable treasure for all. His love of his family and friends is reflected through each photo.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Sue; son, Bradley Gene (Marti) Hinkle of Olathe, KS; granddaughters, Aubri Marie of Los Angeles, CA; Loren Alivia and Briana Grace of Olathe, KS; several nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Rachel Hinkle; sister, Jackie Beadles, sister, Shirley Hyde, nephews William Irion and Brit Hyde.

https://www.amosfamily.com/obituaries/gene-hinkle