Gene Rein, age 80 of Crestview, passed away on Wednesday morning October 3, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born in Mendota, MN on February 26, 1938, to Eugene and Mary Rein. Gene served his country for 41 years in the United States Air Force. After retiring he worked on base with Civil Service for several years. He loved to garden, loved taking the grandkids to the Armament Museum and showing them the C-130’s just like the ones he worked on in the military. Gene was a member and very involved with the Crestview Elks Lodge, VFW, American Legion, and the Am Vets. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Almara Schmitz and Geni Schwietz, brother in laws Mark Schwietz and Bernie Moe. Gene is survived by his wife of 27 years Lillian Rein, daughter Katherine R. Weverka and husband Lawrence; 3 step daughters: Scherie Knopes and husband Marty, Audrey Nabe and husband Keith, and Liz Rein. 2 step sons: Matt Cantwell and his wife Natalie and Joe Cantwell. Also surviving are his 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, sister Helen Moe, brother in law Donnie Schmitz and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. The celebration of Gene’s life will be held on Monday, October 8, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home, with burial to follow in the Almarante Cemetery in Laurel Hill. A time of visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.

Another member of our Duke Field Family, Eugene (Gene) Rein, passed away on Wed 3 October after a courageous battle against lung cancer.He worked in the Maintenance Electric shopfor most of his lengthy career at Duke, and was the type of guy that could never say no to any request or task put before him. He was always the first to offer his time and expertise when called on to help with any projects at work or in his community.

After retiring Gene quickly volunteered himself up to many community projects in the area and joined several organizations, including his favorite "Friends of the First Lady" where he became a "Board Member" and donated numerous hours working on projects related to preserving & improving our own "First Lady" aircraft 129 . Gene was one of thoserare individuals who always gave back far more than he took in both 919th SOW his community.He will be dearly missed by his Duke Family and others that knew him.