Eugene Ray Hejduk

January 20, 1937 – July 19, 2023

Eugene Ray Hejduk, known by all as Gene, passed on into the arms of Jesus at the age of 86 years to join his wife and loved ones on July 19, 2023, in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Born on January 20, 1937, in Lucien, Oklahoma, he was the son of Edward Hejduk and Pauline Gardner. Gene went to school in Perry, Oklahoma, and joined the Navy at the age of 17 along with his best friend Darrel Carlon. Gene married the love of his life Mary Jo in 1970 and they shared and enjoyed life from that time until her death in 2016. Gene worked at Stoldt-Stotts Construction for 35 years as General Superintendent and mentored many men and was always willing to give everyone a 2nd chance. After retirement in 2000, Gene built a small but elaborate woodworking shop and spent many hours at his chosen hobby.

During his time in the US Navy, Gene served on the USS Ranger aircraft carrier and became a “shellback” going “around the Horn” of South America.

Gene was an active stepfather of Mary Jo’s 3 boys, providing love and support as well as a job in the construction business for all 3. Gene and Mary Jo bought a lake home on Lake Hudson they enjoyed for many years with family and friends. Gene enjoyed fishing, growing tomatoes, smoking brisket for everyone, and watching the eagles that flew over the lake house.

Survivors include his stepsons, Gene Thompson and wife Ranay, Larry Thompson and wife Linda, Cliff Turner; daughter-in-law Kathy Thompson; grandchildren Ryan Thompson and wife Melissa, Somer Thompson, Justin Thompson and wife Brianna, Hannah Thompson, Lindsey Thompson, Isaac Hansen, C. Kyle Hansen; great-grandchildren Gillian Thompson, Paityn Carey, Bryce Carey, Kehlani Thompson, Henry Hansen; relatives John and Vicki Bailey and Steve Bamberger.

Gene was predeceased by his parents, wife Mary Jo Hejduk, stepson Mike Thompson, and grandchildren Tyler Thompson and Thera Thompson.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 28, 2023, at Matthews Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.