Le Roy Gene "Gene" Hindman

After a courageous four-month battle following a medical procedure, Le Roy Gene “Gene” Hindman passed peacefully on July 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life filled with kindness, humor, and a spirit that left an indelible mark on everyone who had the pleasure to know him. Gene was a gentle soul with a fierce spirit – the kind of man who could light up a room with a single smile or a well-timed “Hey, buddy!” He believed in taking life slow, enjoying each moment, and leaving people better than he found them.

Born May 17, 1942, Gene was the cherished son of James Ervin “Erv” Hindman and Mildred Johnson, and later stepson to Lucille.

He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Virginia Hindman (Morris), whose hand he held through life’s every high and low. Their love—rooted in patience, laughter, and the phrase “Always and forever”—was the kind you read about in books.

Gene is also survived by his brothers, Gary Hindman (wife Carol, d. 2015), Jamie Hunter (Leann); nephews Michael Hindman (RaShelle), Shane Hunter (Deanna); and a multitude of great nieces, nephews, and cousins; children, Wayne Barham (Reta), Tonya Johnson (Chris), and Sonya Burgess; grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart: Cevon Johnson, Isaiah Johnson, Angelica Hinklin, Allen Barham (Jamie), Alisa Cole (Chuck), Angelina Burgess, Daenara Burgess (Nima), Tonya Burgess, Rachel Burgess (Chris), Christopher Burgess, Jessica Sumahit (Mike), and Amber Hamilton (Gerald); and great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy: Alyssa Barham, Detrique Barham, Jasper Barham, Wyatt Cole, Olivia Cole, Klohe Leonard, Anthony Leonard, Maxwell Burgess, Greyson Burgess-Tatad, Brycen Sumahit, Bella Sumahit, Biship Klinger, Rayne Janes, Nahani White, Omaria White, Phynlee White, and Qekin White.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, beloved sister Dee Palmer; and niece, Shannon Lopatowski.

Gene loved spending time with extended family in Missouri with his brothers and sister-in-laws, and with his nieces and nephews in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Colorado. Family meant everything to him. Whether camping, fishing, playing cards, or manning the grill with his son-in-law Chris Johnson, Gene brought light and laughter to every room. He especially loved the quiet days spent in his Man Cave—one of many heartfelt projects he and Chris tackled together.

A proud veteran, Gene served three years in the National Guard, held an honorary badge from the Sheriff’s Department, where he once served, and was a longtime member of the Shriner’s and the Salina Elk’s Club. He spent decades working as a car salesman, and continued doing what he loved until the age of 82. His coworkers remember him as dependable, generous, and always up for a chat and a chuckle.

Gene had a pocketful of sayings for every occasion. He reminded us, “If you can fix it, fix it. If you can’t, don’t worry about it.” He greeted life with a smile, entered every room with a friendly “What y’all doing?” and taught his grandchildren to “slow down and enjoy”—not just sandwiches, but life itself.

His passing leaves a deep void, especially for Virginia, who now carries not only the weight of loss but the financial burden of laying her husband to rest. If you feel led to offer support, donations can be made directly to Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, KS, 785-823-3456— (please mention “Le Roy Gene Hindman”), directly to Virginia, or to Tonya via Cash App at $tjhnsn32.

The family thanks you for your love, prayers, and presence during this time of sorrow and remembrance. Gene lived a life well-lived—a life full of warmth, humor, and deep love—and we are all better for having shared it with him.

So, here’s to Gene: May we honor him by slowing down, laughing often, and remembering that sometimes, the simplest moments are the ones that matter most. -- “Always and forever.”

Family will receive friends on Friday, July 18, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM with a funeral service following at 2:00 PM at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.