Gene Red Elk

Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Rev. Brantley Tillery Officiating under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home in Walters. Viewing on Monday from 1:00-8:00 pm and on Tuesday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Gene Elliott Red Elk was born to Frank and Maud (Homovich) Red Elk on September 26, 1945 in Lawton, OK and departed this life in Walters, OK on March 16, 2024 at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 19 days.

Gene grew up at Walters, graduating from WHS in 1963. He then attended Bacone College until he was drafted in December of 1965, serving his country and the U.S. Army honorably. Upon his discharge in September of 1967, he went to work at Fort Sill Indian School as a home living counselor for the boys until its closing in the early 1980’s. He worked security for a time and then worked for tribe Bingo. From 1986 to 2006 he worked for the Fort Sill Fire Department, retiring as a Captain. All through the years he was also working part-time for the casino, ultimately retiring for good in 2015. 

He married the love of his life, Marilyn Jo (Thompson) Red Elk on December 21, 1967 in Wichita Falls. They made Walters their home where they raised 4 sons, Lance, Jason, Adam and Blake. Gene enjoyed coaching and watching his kids and grandkids play sports. He also enjoyed golfing, watching OU and sports in general, umpiring ballgames and taking cruises with Marilyn once the boys were raised. He loved spending time with family and friends, going to the casino and playing cards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Maud Red Elk; his wife Marilyn Red Elk on July 17, 2021; his son Jason Red Elk on March 14, 2024; 2 sisters, Zona Suminski and Francis Marie Nelson; and a brother, Roderick Red Elk.

Survivors include 3 sons, Lance Elliott Red Elk and Adam Red Elk both of Walters, Blake Red Elk and Tyler of Dallas; his daughter-in-law, Jodi Red Elk of Walters; a sister, Carmelita Red Elk Thomas and George of Logan, UT; a brother, Ronald Red Elk and Thresa of Walters; 6 grandchildren, Marissa Clemons and Cardell of Broken Arrow, OK, Kennedi Williams and Stuart of Haskell, OK, Cy Red Elk and Carlie of Walters, Kaylie Steinbeck, Zack Steinbeck and Diamyn Red Elk all of Henrietta, TX; 6 great grandchildren, Jaiden, Camilla, Mila, Konner Bob, Anna and Cylie; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus grandkids and a host of friends.