Gene Elton Wyant

Gene Elton Wyant passed away peacefully in his home on February 5, 2024 at 9:15 pm.  He was born June 1, 1928 to Gus and Elizabeth D. Wyant in Battle Creek, Michigan.  He grew up in Winn, Mount Pleasant, Nashville and numerous other areas throughout Michigan.

Gene was a very young WWII veteran and prior to enlisting in the Navy, he served as a guard on the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan. He served honorably in the Navy on Admiral Halsey's flagship, the USS South Dakota, and was aboard the ship for the Japanese surrender in 1945.

After the war he returned to his home on Swift Road in Nashville, Michigan, re-enrolled at W.K. Kellogg High School, and graduated in 1947. Gene spent the next 30 years as a metal model maker in the experimental engineering division of the Oldsmobile plant in Lansing, Michigan, until he retired in 1978.

In 1948 he met his wife, Bonnie J. Dahm, and they were married on September 2, 1949.  In 1950 the couple built a house on Swift Road for their future family: Daniel, Bradley, and twins Jack and Jill.  Gene loved the outdoors and as a family they spent years camping, exploring, and boating throughout Michigan.  He also loved wood working, building structures, repairing cars, playing cards, hunting, fishing, horseshoes, and bowling. Not only did he teach his family valuable life skills, he also helped all of his children with building tasks with his automotive expertise.

In 1978 he purchased land and built a log home near Riverton, Wyoming, to continue his hunting exploits.  Gene and Bonnie were 3 season residents for 33 years, while hosting their kids and grandkids during the summer as they enjoyed exploring the state's many natural offerings.

Gene and Bonnie would winter in Bradenton, Florida where his mother, Elizabeth, lived.  They became involved in winter bowling and horseshoe leagues.  They attended World Horseshoe events held throughout the U.S.  Gene served as the local league secretary and helped run the Senior Horseshoe games.  They enjoyed spending time with family members and friends there for 25 years.  They also hosted families from Michigan who loved to visit during the winter.

In 2009 they decided to move to Maricopa, Arizona to be near family members.  in 2012 they sold the house in Wyoming and moved permanently to Arizona.  Gene joined the local American Legion Post 133 in Maricopa and proudly served as Grand Marshall at the Veteran's Day Parade.

Gene is survived by Bonnie, his wife of 74 years.  Also surviving are sons, Daniel G. Wyant (Marilyn), Bradley E. Wyant (Deborah) and daughter Jill A. Wyant.  In addition he had 10 grandchildren: Bradley J. Wyant (Chelsey), John M. Joseph (Stephanie), Molly A. Wyant (Ken Tebelman), Valerie O. Wyant (Nick Kester), Karl A. Wyant (Sarah), Andrew S. Wyant (Courtney), Jennie L. Hillard deceased (Dustin), Leslie A. Pratt (Keith), Ashley D. Woodmansee (Bob), and Matthew T. Wyant.  These grandchildren blessed him with an additional 16 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Iola (Cluckey) Wyant, son Jack A. Wyant, granddaughter Jennie L. Hillard (Jack's daughter), grandson Daniel Lewis (Jill's son) and great granddaughter Koeli Hillard.

Internment will take place at the Arizona Veteran's Memorial Cemetery (AVMC-M) in Marana, Arizona on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 10:00 am. A celebration of life will take place at 2:00 pm at the Maricopa Veteran's Center, 41600 W. Smith Enke Road.