Eugene Merle 'Gene' Stamm

Tuesday, October 7, 2003

BENKELMAN -- Eugene Merle "Gene" Stamm, 78, died Monday (Oct. 6, 2003) at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.

He was born Aug. 13, 1925, to Earnest John and Zella Blanche (Bernard) Stamm at his parents home northwest of Benkelman. In 1929, his parents purchased the Hickman farm. It became the family farmstead. He attended school at District 21. He also attended Benkelman High School for one year.

On March 21, 1948, he married Inez Lucille David at the Evangelical Church, north of Bird City, Kan. The couple resided in the home he was born in, northwest of Benkelman. He was a farmer and rancher.

In 1951, he joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associating. He was one of the early lifetime members of the PRCA with number C277.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Zella Stamm; an infant daughter; two infant grandsons.

Survivors include his wife, Inez; four daughters, Phyllis and husband, Stan Jones, Jackie and husband, Jay Fanning, Betty and husband, David Brandney, all of Benkelman and Martha and husband, Casey Hayward of Maricopa, Ariz.; one brother, Everett Stamm; and seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Services will be Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Norman Prather officiating. Interment will be in Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation is today, 1-8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Forch Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.