Jewell Eugene Ditmars, 81, died July 4, 2004, at Careage of Whidbey, Coupeville. He was born April 11, 1923 in Plattsburg, Mo., the only child to Jewell Nile and Veta Olive Ditmars. Gene graduated from William Christman High School in Independence, Mo. While his heart told him he was a farmer, his patriotic duty called him to the Navy following high school graduation, where as a gunner’s mate first class, he served in World War II, the Korean War, and then again later, in Vietnam before being honorably discharged.

After five years of seeing the world, Gene was getting ready to settle down. Through his cousin Georgia, Gene was introduced to Juanita, and thus began a written correspondence that would culminate in a proposal in his fifth letter, sight unseen.

Following their marriage May 16, 1946, Gene and Juanita lived in Centertown, Mo. where Gene managed Juanita’s uncle’s farm, producing among the expected crops, two daughters, Nita Marie and Patricia Jean. The Korean War, however, moved them to Bremerton for a short time, after which they again returned to Missouri, this time to a small farm outside of Columbia. August 28, 1955, a tornado demolished their home. This devastating event persuaded Gene to move his family to Washington state, where few tornadoes were known to occur.

Gene worked as the head of maintenance for 27 years for Washington Natural Gas Company in Seattle, where he was also an active member of his U.A. Local Union 32. A physical disability forced him to retire early, leaving Seattle to set up their retirement residence on South Whidbey Island. This small parcel of land was his pride and joy, bedecked in fruit trees, vegetable and berry gardens and flowers. Always active in his church, Gene added to those self-imposed duties a member in the Lions Club with its corn stall at the Island County Fair, Camper Club activities, winter excursions to Arizona, rock hunting, and fishing or clam digging with Juanita. They were always a couple. Their love and devotion to one another carried them through all of life’s challenges, rewarding them with loving family and friends.

Gene possessed an infectious laugh and an often-naughty sense of humor. He was a hard worker, ready to help anytime he was needed, stubborn to a fault, and he loved good home cookin’! He was a real character.

We will all miss Gene (Jewell), Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, brother-in-law and friend. Jewell was preceded in death by his parents, and his dear wife Juanita. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 24, at 11 a.m., at Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.