Gene Douglas Kaiser

Gene Douglas Kaiser, a man whose life was a testament to his unwavering faith, love for family, and dedication to service, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, in Waynesville, Missouri. He was 79 years old. Born on December 15, 1945, in Bakersfield, California, Gene was the son of Barney Kaiser Jr. and Anna Mary (Sevier) Kaiser. At nine months old, his family moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he spent his formative years. From an early age, Gene exhibited leadership and integrity, exemplified by earning the rank of Eagle Scout while still in high school—a distinction that foreshadowed his lifelong commitment to service and excellence. Gene pursued his education at Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Biology. During his college years, he embraced various activities, including cheerleading and dance, but it was his profound involvement with Chi Alpha Assembly of God Ministries that truly shaped him. Gene lent his rich tenor voice to the Chi Alpha Choir and was a founding member of The Ambassador Quartet, with whom he recorded an album and toured across Oklahoma, sharing his musical gifts and faith. On May 3, 1968, Gene married the love of his life, Ricca Louise Edmonds, in Morris, Oklahoma. Their bond was a remarkable one, spanning over 57 years of cherished memories, including a memorable 50th wedding anniversary celebration in Hawaii. In December 2023, Gene and Ricca embarked on a new chapter, moving to AK Ranch in Waynesville, Missouri, to be closer to family. Gene's professional life was diverse, beginning with five years as an elementary school teacher in the Guthrie and Morris School Districts. He then worked for three years at Ball Brothers in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, inspecting Ball Glass jars, before transitioning to Kelco, a division of Merck Chemical, where he served as a laboratory chemist until his retirement in 1997. After retiring, Gene and Ricca ventured into entrepreneurship, opening a charming gift boutique called the Bunny Patch in Morris, Oklahoma, where Gene delighted in conversing with customers. Even in retirement, Gene remained active and engaged, finding immense joy in spending time with his family and, most notably, dedicating himself to his church. His commitment to his faith was evident in his decades of service; he taught Sunday School for over 40 years and served as a church deacon for 25 years within the Assembly of God Church. Upon moving to Missouri, Gene and Ricca quickly became integral members of St. Robert First Assembly. They actively participated in the Care Ministry, contributed to the Resource Center, organized engaging Game Nights, and were devoted attendees of the Legacy Lifegroup. Gene's hobbies reflected his joyful spirit and deep convictions. He loved to sing, found solace and wisdom in reading self-improvement and Christian books, enjoyed gardening, and found peace in fishing. Above all, he cherished every moment spent with his beloved family. Gene is survived by his devoted wife, Ricca Louise Kaiser; his children, Genna L. Adkins and her husband Jeff Adkins of Waynesville, Missouri, Talara D. Hamlin and her husband Mark Hamlin of Moore, Oklahoma, and Justin D. Kaiser and his wife Corie Kaiser of Edmond, Oklahoma. He leaves behind a legacy of love in his grandchildren: Dylan H. Adkins and his wife Alaina Adkins of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jaden E. Fellner and her husband Nick Fellner of Cave Springs, Arkansas, Jagger C. Adkins and Halle Snow, Pierson Hamlin and his sister Mari Hamlin of Moore, Oklahoma, and Garon Kaiser and Grady Kaiser of Edmond, Oklahoma. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Walker Adkins of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Easton and Janie Fellner of Cave Springs, Arkansas. He is also survived by his brother, Charles and Carolyn Kaiser of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and a host of other relatives and friends. Though Gene is no longer with us in person, his giving and generous spirit, coupled with his profound faith in the Lord, will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Gene Douglas Kaiser

December 15, 1945 - July 25, 2025