Gene Austin Ratcliff

Gene Austin Ratcliff, 89, passed away at his home on June 29, 2019. Gene was born on April 12, 1930 in Onaga, Kansas and was the oldest child of Ralph & Florence (Perrussel) Ratcliff. Gene graduated from Onaga High School in 1948. He enlisted in the Air National Guard and went on to serve in the United States Air Force. After his discharge in 1952, he attended Kansas State University & received his undergraduate & Master's Degrees in Geology. Gene married Sharon Burrell in August of 1953 and they were married until her passing in 2011. In his early years, Gene worked for Sohio Oil Company & Ozark-Mahoning Company. He then worked for Kerr-McGee Corporation until his retirement as a Senior Vice President in 1992. He had lived in the Oklahoma City area for over 50 years. Gene was also a Master Mason & a member in good standing at the Onaga Lodge.Gene is survived by his daughters, Brenda & husband Neal Stockham of The Woodlands, TX, Linda & husband Scott Mendenhall of Richardson, TX; grandchildren, Nathan Stockham of Dallas, TX, Brian Stockham of Pittsburgh, PA, Megan Mendenhall & Sarah Mendenhall of Dallas, TX; his brothers Leon & Elaine Ratcliff and Verne Ratcliff of Onaga, KS. Gene is also survived by many nieces, nephews & numerous long-time friends that were considered family to him. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Duane Ratcliff.Gene enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family and friends. He was positive, enthusiastic and good-natured. He had an incredible memory and loved to share humorous stories about life. Gene will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and his infectious laugh. The family wishes to offer sincere thanks to the Ousley Family and his caregivers for allowing Gene to remain at his home until his passing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association.A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 8, 2019 at the chapel of Smith & Kernke Funeral Home on N. May Ave. with Reverend Randy Shrauner officiating.Services in Onaga, Kansas will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Onaga Congregational Church with graveside services to follow including Masonic funeral rites. Reverend John Austin will be officiating.