Archil Eugene “Gene” Cyr, died Sept. 27, 2020 at the age of 90, in Henryetta after recovering from complications from a fall.
Gene was born Oct. 12, 1929, in Morton County, Kans., near the community of Elkhart, to Archil Frank and Lillie (Paronto) Cyr. He farmed his parent’s homestead and other land around the Wilburton area. On November 3, 1948, he married Anna Ruth Elliott. They raised two sons Doug and David, three daughters Virginia, Candance, and Anita. Divorced, Gene married Joyce (Runkle) Vandervort on Jan. 20, 1964, and helped raise her two sons Rodney Bruce and Randy and her daughter Charla.
Gene graduated from Elkhart High School in 1948. Gene worked with many national organizations. He joined the American Agricultural Movement in the 1970s and participated in the Washington D.C. tractor rally. He traveled across the United States and overseas representing the Jaycees. His dearest organization was Alcoholics Anonymous, where he was a trusted counselor for more than 40 years.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents Archil and Lillie Cyr, brother Ralph Cyr, sister Louise E. Odell, wives Anna and Joyce, and children Virginia, Candance, Bruce, and David. He is survived by his children: Doug and wife Christine Cyr, daughter-in-law Janice Loveland Cyr, Anita Cyr Ankerholz and Charlie Walters, daughter-in-law Pat Vandervort Ellis, Randy Vandervort, and Charla Vandervort Collinsworth; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren; niece Mary Lou Bavousett; great nephew Rex Bavousett and wife Jan, and great nieces Tina Steffens, Lisa Brad-ford.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Gene will be cremated and his ashes will be buried in Elkhart Cemetery beside his wife Joyce, he will also have some ashes spread at his spiritual place of Ojo Caliente, NM.
Donations may be sent to any local AA Chapter.