Gene B. Vincent, born on Aug. 17, 1931, passed away on Jan. 29, 2026, at the age of 94. Gene’s life was marked by dedication to helping others, artistry, and a deep commitment to his family and community.
Born to Homer and Myrtle (Booth) Vincent in Washington, Iowa, Gene was raised on a farm, an experience that instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for agriculture. He played football and ran track (fastest out of the blocks) in high school. After completing high school, he pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in farm operations from Iowa State University (ISU).
Gene served his country with honor in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1955, stationed in Germany as a radar operator. After his service, he worked as a county agricultural agent for the Extension service for seven years. He was involved with his local 4H club, mentoring the younger generation. He returned to ISU to further his education with a master’s degree in agronomy. Following this he worked in a seven-county area in southeast Iowa as a crop production specialist with the ISU Extension Service until his retirement in 1986.
On Feb. 12, 1956, Gene married Arlene Steffen at Newcomb Presbyterian Church in Davenport. Their nearly 70 years of marriage were filled with love, companionship, and shared adventures.
Gene was a man of many talents and interests. His love for woodworking was evident in the structures and toys he crafted for his children and grandchildren and the wood-turned bowls he created. He was a member of QC Woodturners. He did all of the electrical installation and woodworking for the house they built in Pleasant Valley, and he applied these talents to volunteering for Hearts and Hammers as well as Habitat for Humanity. He seemed to have the ability to build or fix anything. Always eager to help, he took pleasure in advising farmers and gardeners, and he loved to get his own hands into the dirt. He was especially proud of his purple tomatoes, day lilies and hostas.
Many of Gene’s fondest memories came from his travels and hosting from around the world, many with the Friendship Force. Gene’s artistic spirit shone through in all things he created, and he especially poured love into the prints and jewelry he made with his wife. He worked steadily on family genealogy. He was interested in and taught courses on photography. He was also a dedicated fan of ISU athletics, a true Cyclone in good times and bad.
A devoted member of Bettendorf Presbyterian Church, Gene’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He served on the endowment committee and worked on the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene Vincent; his children, Kent (Susan) Vincent and Rene (Paul) Vance; and his grandchildren, Nina, Galen and Shane Vincent, and Zachary and Derek Vance. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Brian Vincent, and his siblings, John Vincent and Margaret Scott.
Visitation will be at Weerts Funeral Home Wednesday, Feb. 4, 5-6:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Bettendorf Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m., with burial at Davenport Memorial Park. Memorials can be made to the Bettendorf Presbyterian Endowment, the Brian Vincent Memorial Scholarship at Iowa State University, or the Iowa 4H Foundation.
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