Gene Autry Hamm was born December 28, 1938, in Corn, Oklahoma. Upon entering Heaven on Sunday, December 24, 2017, at the age of 78 years, 11 months, and 26 days, he received the best Christmas present of his life. He was "Home"!

Born to George and Margaret (Kroeker) Hamm, he was raised in Corn, Oklahoma and graduated from Cordell High School in 1957. He entered the military and during his time in the Navy, he married Gayle Varena Baker on September 12, 1959, while he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. After he was discharged, they moved back to Oklahoma where Gene worked various jobs to provide for his family. Finally settling on a career as a hair stylist, he spent many years brushing up on his jokes as he cut his clients hair.

Gene was very involved in his church and was a founding member of the CMA Righteous Riders. His work with them blessed hundreds of people all over the state. Nicknamed "Geno", he was there for the numerous events the group held and many looked to him for his wisdom when it came to the Bible. He also met with his "coffee club" in the mornings and afternoons. Gene always seemed to find someone he knew no matter where he went.

Gene is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gayle of their home in Weatherford, Oklahoma; daughter, Rhonda Butterbaugh and husband, Craig of Weatherford, Oklahoma; son, Russel Hamm and wife, Angie of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and son, Ron Hamm and wife, Codye of Mustang, Oklahoma. He was blessed with granddaughters, Tara Cooper and husband, Justin of Cordell, Oklahoma, Tasha Bryson and husband, Matthew of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Skylar Hamm of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; grandson, Brody Hamm of Mustang, Oklahoma; and great grandchildren, Chasity, Margaret and Chatelyn Cooper, and Mark and Charlotte Bryson completed his family.

Interment services will be held privately by the family.