Carl Eugene McGehee Carl Eugene McGehee, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2008, surrounded at home by his loving family. Carl or Gene was born April 12, 1942, to Carlton Elic and Hotonah McGehee in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Carlton and Hotonah worked in the Tri-City area during 1943 and 1944 and then permanently settled in Benton City in 1946. Gene, the eldest of five children, grew up working hard and playing hard alongside his father, mother and siblings. Gene went into the Army when he was 17 years old. After basic training, he had 14 weeks of medical training and then worked in the pediatric and emergency wards in the 98th General Hospital in Newbrookie, Germany. After discharge from the service, he met the love of his life, Betty Rae Dennett, at a dance in 1962. They were married on June 22, 1963. Their loving union endured these 45 years, producing 5 wonderful children, and 14 grandchildren. Gene re-enlisted in the Army for another tour and then he and Betty settled their family on the farm they bought from his mom and dad. He worked at Sandvik Special Metals in Finley for several years and then worked for Westinghouse/ Rockwell/Fluor Daniels for 20 years. A talented, hardworking man, he also ran a leafcutter bee business with his dad for several years and, after his retirement, went into a construction business with his daughter and son-in-law. Gene and Betty had many hobbies. One of his lifelong passions was fishing, first with his Dad, then with his wife, sons, and daughters. He also was an avid rock collector, using the beautiful stones to make jewelry and bolo ties for family and friends. Gene is survived by his wife, Betty; son Kelvin Lee McGehee and wife Annette; daughter LaRae Ann McGehee; daughter Leila Mae Bowden and husband Ron; son Allan Scott McGehee and wife Cassie; daughter Lynette Marie Bacca and husband Doug; his 14 grandchildren, Amanda, Tyler, Tiffany, Ashley, Sarena, Luke, Chrisha, Caleb, Hotonah, Nathan, Tanner, Isaac, Noah, and Morghan; 2 great-grandchildren, Alexandria and Athena; brother Kenneth; and sisters Ginny and Janet and honorary son Antonio Mendoza and wife Chuy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hotonah, father Carlton, and sister Alice. Services will be Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at Mueller's Funeral Home at 1401 S. Union Street, Kennewick, Washington. Following the service a potluck luncheon will be held at the McGehee residence. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice at 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick,509 783-7416.