Harley Eugene (Gene) Werst age 82 of Western Shawnee, Kansas went home to be with the Lord May 12, 2016. Visitation will be 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 16 at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home with grave side services to follow in the Glenwood Cemetery in Basehor, Kansas at 11:30. Harley was born June 8, 1933 in Alta Vista, Kansas to William & Mae Werst. Gene married the love of his life Lila Mae Heideman November 22, 1951 and they were blessed with two children Linda and Robert. Gene enjoyed reading and sharing his research with family and friends and visiting with friends at the coffee shop. In his earlier years he enjoyed raising cattle and chickens, gardening, buying and selling vehicles and hunting for a good bargain. Gene owned and operated his own demolition company for many years and could operate just about any piece of big equipment he set his mind to, he later retired from Safeway as a big rig driver. Gene will be remembered by many for his courage, strength, shear determination and hope. He was a devoted husband to Lila Mae for 59 years; father to Linda (Danny) Lane and Robert Werst; grandfather to Kirk (Kerry) Lane, Bryan Lane and Nicki (Chad) Fulk; great- grandfather to Mackenzie and Parker Lane and Lane and Brooklyn Fulk. He also leaves behind three sisters, Arotha Short, Willimae Stapleton and Ardice Kiley as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Our souls have been touched by his strength and our hearts by his struggle. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas , American Heart Association, or the American Lung Association in care of the Alden- Harrington Funeral Home, 214 Oak St. Bonner Springs, KS. 66012 (913) 422- 4074