Eugene F. “Gene” Kletchka, 79, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away Monday, November 1, 2010, at Golden Living Center, Independence, MO. Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 19 at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 2001 S. Broadway, Oak Grove, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude or College of the Ozarks c/o the Gene Kletchka fund. 

Gene was born on August 5, 1931 in Horton KS, the son of Laurence and Bernice (Gormley) Kletchka. After serving his country in the United States Air Force, Gene attended the New York Institute of Photography where he was inspired to pursue a career in photography, newspaper, and printing. Throughout his lifetime Gene owned several businesses including Central Graphics Supply, Inc., which he operated until death. His interests included photography, fishing and spending time with friends. 

His survivors include one son: John & Londa Kletchka of Amarillo, Texas; two daughters: Becky & Perry Hilt of Wichita, Kansas, Ann & Shane Kirchner of McPherson, Kansas; three grandchildren: Christopher & Hannah Kirchner, & Michael Hilt; three sisters: Mary Evelyn Kletchka Kansas City, MO, Marlene & Dale Sheets of Topeka, Kansas, Beverly & Deryl Wilson of Berryton, Kansas; his stepmother: Opal Kletchka of Horton, Kansas; one stepsister: Sharon & Galen Greenwood of Topeka, KS; and one step brother: Stephen Mullen of Fairfax, Virginia. 

Arrangements made at Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO (816) 690-4441