Luther Gene Balentine

Luther Gene Balentine, 78, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at the St. Francis Hospital.

Gene was born November 28, 1939, in Baxter Springs, Kansas. He was the son of Luther and Grace Norene (Rowe) Balentine. Gene moved with his family to Hominy, Oklahoma where he began his education. During the time Gene was in school he was very active in football as well as the band. While in the band Gene learned to play the upright bass. Following the completion of his education, Gene joined the United States National Guard. In 1969, Gene was united in marriage to Marianna. The couple established their home in Hominy, Oklahoma before later moving to Michigan for several years. Gene and Marianna have also resided in Cushing, Tulsa, Sapulpa and later moved to Broken Arrow in 1994. Gene has worked for Bill Smith Construction operating heavy machinery. He also drove a truck for C & P Transportation before purchasing his truck that he operated for many years, before retiring in the early 1990's.

Gene loved traveling. He and Marianna have visited Colorado California, Arizona as well as Las Vegas on several occasions. Gene loved listening to music and played the upright bass with the Tisdales. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. Gene appreciated going to eat at the Golden Corral as well as going over to Sharon's home for her cooking. His favorite television stations to watch were the Discovery and the History channels.

Survivors are his six children Kenneth Gahman and his wife Tess of Wichita, Kansas, Julie Dickinson of Wichita, Kansas, Shari Bougouba and her husband Ali of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Michael Patrick Gahman of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Lorrie Hanoch of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Eddie Balentine of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; one brother Gary Lee and Pam Balentine of Piedmont, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren; twenty three great grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marianna, brother Jerry Balentine, three sisters Roberta "Peaches" Witton, Donna Raye Montgomery, Jewledene Branstetter and a granddaughter Cara Bougouba.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Head officiating. Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com. Chapman-Black Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.