Gene Louis Ritter

Gene Louis Ritter age 92 of Glencoe passed from this life to his eternal home on December 28, 2022 at the Legend Senior Living in Sand Springs, OK.

Gene was born July 21, 1930, in Stillwater, OK to Warren and Hazel (Schoonover) Ritter. He grew up in the Stillwater and Glencoe communities and attended Eureka schools. After completing his high school education, he attended some college courses while serving in the US Army. He spent many years serving his country and fellow servicemen and women as a Food Service Supervisor/trainer and attained the rank of E-9 Master Sergeant. He served in the Korean war and did two tours in Viet Nam.

In addition to his service in the Army, Gene loved to serve his family. He was a “hobby farmer.” He would finish his tour of duty then go home and work a few months on the farm then reenlist. As the second oldest of eight children, he always tried to be there to help with farm labor and to help raise his younger siblings. He began working at Looper’s Sale Barn in his youth to help make ends meet. He continued to be a hard worker for as long as he could. Gene was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed help.

He enjoyed spending time with family and always enjoyed lively discussions with his children and grandchildren. It didn’t matter what his actual position was on a current event, he would always take an opposing position to the person he was talking to, just to keep the discussion going.

Even though he only spent a year at Redbud and Legends, he quickly became one of the favorites. He always had a quick witted comment and a sly grin for the girls that took care of him. We quickly found out that he really liked redheads! He was even called “Pops” by one of his favorite girls.

He married Josephine Mercades on June 7, 1969, in Honolulu, HI. They made their home in Glencoe. She preceded Gene in death in 2018.

He is survived by his children Hazel Jean Caldwell and her husband Dorrin of Stillwater, OK; Edward Neil Thompson and his wife Janet of Medicine Park, OK; Linda Kay (Thompson) Oswalt and her husband Larry of Sand Springs, OK; and grandchildren: Bonnie Kelley, Shanna Carter (Tim), Haley Thompson, Nash Thompson and Allana Williams (Cole) and two great grandchildren Emma Grace and Isaac. He is also survived by his siblings, Nellie Alderson, Bob Ritter, Steve (Peggy) Ritter, Charlie Ritter, Norma (Lloyd) Porter and Doyle Ritter. Gene is also survived by many nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thank yous to all the people that helped care for Gene in the last year of his life. Special heart-felt thanks to Amanda, Charlotte, Maddie, Tonya, Ginger, Kendall and Rae. Thank you for your care, compassion and for your love.

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