A graveside service will be held for Eugene Paul Enns on Friday, December 15, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at the Shafter Memorial Park, followed by a memorial service at the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church at 3:00 p.m. Pastors Pat Coyle and Mike Polley will officiate at the services. Viewing will be at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, Thursday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday, December 15, at 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Gene was born in Reedley, California to Frank and Marie Enns on November 27, 1922, and went home to be with the Lord on December 12, 2006, after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Gene trusted Christ as his savior at the age of 8 and was baptized in the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church when he was 17-years-old. Having lived in Shafter all his life, he went to school and graduated from Shafter High School in 1940. He married the love of his life, Kathleen Elizabeth Eidsen, on October 24, 1943, in the Bakersfield Mennonite Brethren Church. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2003. Gene began farming with his father and then entered the Army in January 1945. After being honorably discharged in the late 1946, he came back to Shafter and went into farming on his own for the next 20 years. In 1966 he began a successful second career selling insurance for another 20 years. Gene was an active member of the Shafter Mennonite Brethren for 60 years, singing in the choir and serving as a member of the Board of Trustees. He was also an active member of the Shafter Christian Business Men's Committee for many years and was the chairman for several years. He was proud of being a member of the Gideons. He was an avid baseball fan, coaching his sons in little leagues, and later, a 30 plus years season ticket holder of the L.A. Dodgers. He and Kathleen enjoyed many trips, whether RV-ing or traveling abroad. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Kathleen and his brother Dick. He is survived by his brother, Wilmer of Porterville; his sister, Mary Lou and husband, Frank Hicks of Bakersfield; brother, El and wife, Cindy of Fresno; sons and daughters-in-laws: Bruce and Marian; Russel and Shirley; Michael and Kathy; and Rob and Lee Ann; nine grandchildren: Kevin; Nathan and wife, Kim; Karen; Justin and wife, Christina; Michelle, Michael, Rebecca and husband, Kris Pontious; Ellie and Lisa; numerous nephews and nieces; and his future great grandson, Dylan, in January, 2007. The most important things in Gene's life were the Lord Jesus Christ and his family. Dad and Grandpa, we will miss you. The family would like to extend a special "thank you" to the staff at Carrington of Shafter for their loving care and to the staff of Optimal Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Teen Challenge of Shafter. On-line Guestbook and Obituary may be viewed at: www.clarmar.com.