Gene Hellstern
1926-2018
Eugene J. Hellstern was born September 20, 1926 in Wellington, KS to Eugene R. and Beulah Hellstern. He grew up on a wheat farm in South Haven, KS and excelled in his school studies, as well as all the sports activities available to him. He entered the Navy during WWII and served as an Aviation Radioman on a PBM Mariner. On Christmas Day, 1946 he married Dorothy Blanch Wynne, and the couple began their studies at Phillips University, earning a BA in Theology. He then earned a Master of Theology from Vanderbilt University and later attended the University of Oklahoma where he completed a Master of Arts and most of the work toward a PhD.
He and Dorothy pastored numerous Disciples of Christ churches in KY, TN, KS, and OK. In the mid 60's he began teaching History, Humanities, and Archaeology at Central State University, retiring in 1992. In 1971 he was awarded "UCO Teach of the Year". He served as the President of the Faculty Senate from 1969-71 and again from 1972-1973. He also served as the President of the Oklahoma Anthropological Society from 1993 to 1999. Throughout his teaching career he and Dorothy continued serving several Oklahoma and Kansas churches as interim ministers.
Their greatest enjoyment in retirement came from traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy and their oldest son Mark. Surviving family members include son Paul, and daughters-in-law Amalia and Rhonda, his brother John Hellstern, as well as several grandchildren and a great-grandson. Memorial services will be 3pm Saturday, November 10 th at Matthews Funeral Home.