Gene Thomas Whittington, 80, of Valley Center, former owner and operator of Betty's Kountry Kitchen, died Aug. 24, 2006. Service was Aug. 28 at First United Methodist Church, Valley Center, with Rev. Roger Megli officiating. Burial was at Sunnydale Park Cemetery.

He was born Feb. 20, 1926, in Reading, the son of Phillip H. and Susie Mae McKinney Whittington. He married Betty Lou Rhoades on April 16, 1950. She preceded him in death, as did his parents; brothers, John, George, Wayne, Louis and D.L.; and sisters, Ruth Reaka and Alice Whittington. He served in the U.S. Navy and World War II.

Survivors include his brother, Jake Whittington of Chicago; sister, Marge Martin of Madison; caregiver, Pat Bumsted; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials have been established with the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society and Alzheimer's Association, in care of Baker Funeral Home, 100 S. Cedar, Valley Center, KS 67147.