Our hearts are heavy at the peaceful passing of our father “Gene” (Papa) Orville Eugene Titus on September 29, 2023 at the age of 92. He was a loyal, caring father. He had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community in Newton Kansas where he was born and still lived.
He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ann (Dorey) Titus of 55 yrs, his grandson Uriah Job Titus, his great granddaughter Kilar Rain Gillispie, his father Orville F. Titus and mother Opal (McFarlane) Titus.
He leaves behind his wife of 16 years Trudy (Anderson) Titus. He also leaves behind his 3 sons, Bill Titus of Newton, John (Margie) Titus of Newton, Robb (Mary Beth) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, 9 grandchildren, Thain Titus, Cree (Josh) Gillispie, Maisha (Lance) Dible, Season (James) Lentz, Starla (Jared Schmitz) Titus, Jasmine (Ian Schmidt) Titus, Lena (Carl) Edwards, Taylor Titus, Spencer Titus, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter, brother Michael Fry, sister Michelle Cloud and several nephews and nieces.
Gene owned and worked at Gene’s Shoes on Main St. in Newton for over 40 years, helping people by letting them do layaways and payment plans. He sold many steel toed boots to the railroad workers and he gave shoe boxes for the Christmas goodies that went to the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.
He welcomed neighborhood kids and foster children into their home on Pine St. for many years.
He designed and built his own home in the country, which was a beautiful place where he loved having his family and friends come and gather. He loved to fish, boat and ski. He was a very active sports enthusiast and coached his sons many baseball and basketball teams. He also played, managed and sponsored Gene’s Shoes slow pitch softball teams for many years. He participated in bowling, basketball and softball well into his 50's and 60's. His love of sports started in school where his Newton High basketball team won the state championship in 1949.
The family will have a gathering/celebration of life for anyone that would like to pay their respects, at The Chapel at Paramount Community Living Center, (corner of S. Poplar and SW 14th) 1:00-3:00, November 12th.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com. Baker Funeral Home Valley Center has ministered to the family for arrangements.