Eugene "Gene' Vancil, 93, lifetime Morgan County resident, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017, at the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush. He was born November 21, 1923, on the family farm near Snyder, CO. He was the sixth of nine children born to Ephraim and Ethel Vancil.

Gene attended schools in Brush and Snyder and graduated from Snyder High School in 1941. On March 19, 1947 he married Velda Kumke. They farmed and ranched north of Snyder.

In his earlier years, Gene worked for the Great Western Sugar Company during sugar beet campaign, clerked sales for the Kenny Reed Auction Services, and worked sales at the Davis Ranch Sales Pavilion.

The Vancil's moved to Brush in 1992. Gene still did some farming, raised cattle and enjoyed his beloved horses until health issues forced his retirement. The Vancil Reservoir was built on the Vancil farm and dedicated on March 5, 1991.

On April 17, 2000 Gene married Irene Hastings, and they made their home in Brush.

Gene's legacy was that he was a devoted husband, and a loving father and grandfather. He loved the simple things in life and held a special place in his heart for his little dog, Mitzi.

Survivors include his wife Irene of Brush; his daughter, Marla (Marvin) Dickson of Eckley, CO; Grandson, Gregory (Patty) Foiles of Brush; Great Granddaughters, Bailey, Kadie, and Allyson all of Brush; a sister Dorothy Ward of Sun City, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by five step-children and their families, Rob (Cleta) Hastings of Snyder, Debra (Tracy) Philpott of Lamar, MO, Vickie (Dan) Pieper of Mitchell, NE, Laurie (John) Nuding of Sheldon, MO, and Pam Manitz of Brush.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Velda; his parents Ephraim and Ethel Vancil; Sisters Merle Wiburn, Shirley Gilfry, Alice Christensen, and Ruby Reichert; Brothers Vernon, John, and StanleyVancil; and his grandson, Shane Foiles.