Alfred Eugene 'Gene' Inman, age 84, of Hot Springs passed away November 28, 2007 after being struck by an automobile near his home on Cascade Road.

Gene was born in Ardmore, SD where he attended school through the eleventh grade. He graduated from barber college in Lincoln, NE and joined the navy in 1943 where he served on the USS Samaritan medical ship in the South Pacific until November 28, 1945. He was married that same year to his high-school sweetheart, Violet Pritchett. After the war, he worked as a barber and rancher for nearly sixty seven years in Hot Springs.

He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and great-grandfather. Family and friends fell in love with his gentle spirit and subtle humor. He served the community as a 4-H leader, VFW life member, and was a devout parishioner of St. Anthony's Catholic Church where he served as a liturgical minister and was a Knights of Columbus charter member.

He found joy in the simple moments of life: feeding horses, casting fishing line, holding a child's hand, playing cribbage, trimming hair, jumping checkers, making pancakes, and working on his ranch.

Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Violet of Hot Springs; five children, Daniel Inman of Hot Springs; Pasty (Steve) Keipper of Traverse City, MI; Susan (Tom) Thelen of Lincoln, NE; Thomas (Laura) Inman of Hot Springs; Mary (Brian) Begley of Vermillion, SD; one brother, Robert (Nancy) Inman of Sun City, CA; one sister, Virginia Mader of Alliance, NE; fourteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard Milton Inman and Elsie Miller Inman; siblings, Bonita May Resseguie, Loren Inman, infant son Paul John Inman, and infant granddaughter Brooke Inman.

Wake services were held 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 2, 2007 at St. Anthony's of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 3, 2007 at St. Anthony's of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs with Father Peter Kovarik officiating. Interment followed at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs. Military honors were provided by Hot Springs Veteran's Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be sent to "St. Anthony's Kitchen Building Fund," St. Anthony's of Padua Catholic Church, 538 University Avenue, Hot Springs, SD 57747.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.