Gene Allen Wilson

Gene Allen Wilson, age 74, of Blue Rapids, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Gene was born March 15, 1952, in Marysville, Kansas, the son of Bernard John and Laura Esther (Zabel) Wilson. He grew up in Marysville and graduated from Marysville High School in 1970. During high school and following graduation, Gene worked as a nurse’s aide at Community Memorial Hospital. He later operated a cleaning service in Marysville.

Gene’s lifelong passion was railroads and railroad history. He possessed an extensive knowledge of trains and enjoyed learning about and sharing their history with others. His interest in railroading also extended to HO-scale model trains, and he donated his collection of HO-scale railroad cars to the Historic Marysville Union Pacific Depot, allowing others to enjoy a hobby and piece of railroad history that meant so much to him.

Gene was also an enthusiast of the muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s and was well-versed in their history. Over the years, he owned two notable muscle cars: a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle with a 454 engine and a 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with a 455 Super Duty engine, one of only 240 Super Duty Firebirds produced that year.

His interests were varied, and when something caught Gene’s attention, he enjoyed learning everything he could about it. He followed several favorite trucking lines and knew their histories as well. As a youngster, Gene was active in 4-H, where his project involved raising exotic breeds of chickens. He also played baseball for several summers.

Gene had a lifelong curiosity about words and language. He was an avid learner who enjoyed discovering new words and understanding their meanings and proper usage. It was not unusual for Gene to have a dictionary close at hand.

While living in Marysville, Gene had several cats over the years that provided him with faithful companionship. He enjoyed visiting with people, kidding around, and sharing conversation. He was fortunate to have close relationships with his family, friends, and the many people he met throughout his life.

Following a fall that resulted in a serious injury, Gene decided in 2020 that it would be best to move to Blue Rapids Assisted Living, where he made his home for the remainder of his life.

Gene was ready for his next journey when his time came on August 26, 2026. Those who knew him will remember his curiosity, his remarkable knowledge of the subjects he loved, his sense of humor, and the friendships he shared. Though he is no longer with us, the memories and friendships Gene created throughout his life will remain with those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard J. and Laura E. (Zabel) Wilson.

Gene is survived by his brothers, James B. “JB” (Beverly) Wilson and Darrel G. (Theresa) Wilson; niece, Andrea H. Wilson; nephew, Derek M. Wilson; and numerous extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 28, at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m.  Burial will follow in the Marysville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gene A. Wilson Memorial Fund, to be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.