Gene Dennis Williams was born on April 12th, 1933, in Rockford, Illinois. He passed away on October 7th, 2026, at the age of 93 in Brighton, Colorado. Gene grew up on a farm in Hutchinson, MN with his stepfather George, mother Irene, and brother Bill. Irene passed away in Gene's early teens. George remarried, adding stepmother Esther and sister Joanne to the family. Gene graduated from the University of Minnesota with a major in agriculture and dairy sciences.

After graduation, Gene worked for Green Giant for a few years. Then, he enlisted in the Army. Gene worked as a radar man in the Nike Ajax missile program. His team got to test fire a missile at White Sands air base, hitting their target on the first try. He left the Army with a rank of Corporal.

After the Army, Gene became a County Extension agent for the US Dept of Agriculture. His first job was for Rice County in Faribault, MN. During this time, he met his future wife Adriana who was teaching school back home in Hutchinson. After the wedding, their oldest daughter Lynn arrived. Then, Gene took a job with Faribault County in Blue Earth, MN. Son Michael and daughter Ann were born while living in Blue Earth. One of Gene's primary responsibilities was the Faribault County Fair which he planned and ran every year. In 1973 Gene and family moved to Ft Collins, CO, so Gene could attend Colorado State University where he earned a master's degree in Community Development.

After graduation, Gene and the family relocated to La Jara, CO. As extension agent for Conejos County, Gene advised local farmers and ranchers including building up the local hay industry. He also managed local 4-H clubs (including a large horse club), the Conejos County fair, and the Tri-County Fair. Gene retired from the Extension service after 30 years. He then worked another 10 years teaching farm and ranch management for Trinidad Community College in Alamosa. Gene was a highly respected community leader. He was instrumental in getting the Conejos County Arena complex with indoor and outdoor rodeo arenas built in La Jara. As a member and officer of the local Rotary club, Gene helped with community activities including Lasso Days and the annual Buffalo Barbeque. Gene also started a Harvest Festival celebration that highlighted antique machinery including live demos of threshing machines. If Gene was aware of anything needed in the community or that could be developed, he would always pitch in.

As a devout Christian, Gene was a very active in his church from Minnesota to the United Church of La Jara. Gene served on church boards and taught Sunday Bible studies throughout his life. Gene was also a life long member of Gideons International and participated in many New Testament giveaways at schools and colleges. After retirement, Gene started a prison ministry that provided church services for prisoners at the local Conejos County Jail.

Outside of church, Gene's greatest passion was antique tractors and machinery. Gene collected about a dozen antique Farmall tractors which were the pride of his retirement. Gene was very gifted at restoration and his tractors were known for their "almost new" condition. He was a founding member of the San Luis Valley Antique Iron Club. Gene helped run and participated in their annual tractor pulls. He accumulated a number of blue ribbons from winning classes with his tractors.

Gene was fully independent and took care of Adriana until a stroke greatly reduced his mobility at 88. Gene and Adriana moved to Inglenook assisted living in Brighton, CO in April 2022.

Gene was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and community member whose life touched many. He will be missed yet also remembered for all he did to educate, guide and help others.

Gene is predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Adriana, his brother Bill, stepparents George and Esther, mother and father-in-law Camilla and Adrian, brothers in-law Eldon and Calvin, and niece Denise. He is survived by his children: Lynn, Michael, and Ann and her husband Mike, his sister Joanne, and his sister-in-law Mary. Grandchildren: Melissa (Jonathan), Steven (Claire), Jennifer (Austin), Amy (Kaden), and Hannah. Great-grandchildren: Jayce and Merritt (Melissa), Beau and Fletcher (Steven).