H. Gene Ludlow, 80, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2016 at his home with his family by his side.

Gene was one of ten children born to Roy Alexander and Ethel Violet (David) Ludlow.  He grew up in Winona, Kansas and graduated from Grainfield High School.  He then attended York College in York, Nebraska.

Gene served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He was stationed near Ft. Smith.

Gene was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Hall in 1954.  This union was blessed with two sons, Galen & Gaven.  Barbara preceded him in death in August of 1968.  Later he was united in marriage to Betty Lange Shaffer on March 29, 1980.

Gene has been the owner and operator of Gene’s Cleaners in Russell since 1981.  He enjoyed attending antique sales and collecting crocks.  He is the proud owner of one of the most extensive collections of Red Wing Crocks in the country.  He is a member of the Red Wing Collector’s Society.

Surviving family include his wife of 36 years, Betty of the home; sons, Galen Ludlow (Rhonda) of Ness City, Kansas and Gaven Ludlow (Laura) of Topeka, Kansas; step-sons, Ken Shaffer (Diana) of Des Moines, Iowa and Kevin Shaffer (Lanette) of Ft. Morgan, Colorado; brother, Darrel Ludlow (Doris) of Wichita, Kansas; sister, Mary Wells of Phoenix, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Rachel Ludlow, Elyce Ludlow, Ian Shaffer, Lexi Rogers (Nathan), Tyler Shaffer, Brandi Ecker and Angela Czerlanis (Paul); and two great grandchildren, Canon and Isla Czerlanis.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Barbara; brothers, Lloyd, Francis, John D., Robert and J. Paul; sisters, Goldine and Lucille; and grandson, Ryan Ludlow.

A Gathering will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Friends may sign the book at the mortuary during the day.  Cremation has preceded the gathering.  A Memorial has been established as the Gene Ludlow Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.