W. Gene Elston, age 91, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022 at the Solon Care Center in Solon, lowa. Public visitation for Gene Elston will be held from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion. Funeral services will be private. Gene was born September 1, 1930 on a farm in Wall Lake Township in Wright County, lowa, to Raymond and Beatrice (Jaques) Elston. He lived with his parents and two brothers until the death of his dad when Gene was eight years old. Following his father's death Gene went to live with his great aunt and uncle in Eagle Grove, lowa. He grew up there and attended school through the 8th grade. Gene was united in marriage to Betty Lindstrom on September 28, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Clarion. To this union, Deb and Denny were born. Gene and Betty were married for 66 years until her passing in 2017. Gene worked for many area farmers growing up and loved being on a tractor. For over 40 years, he was the Farm Manager for Hagie Farms and took great pride in the job that he did. Gene loved working with cattle and spent many years having his own small herd of show calves. He enjoyed helping his granddaughters Angie and Amy with their 4-H projects. He also loved spending time working in his garden and being outside. Gene never met a stranger and was always there to lend a helping hand. He loved fishing, hunting, and bowling in his "younger" years. He was also a member of the Clarion Fire Department for many years. He was an avid fan of the lowa Hawkeyes and the St. Louis Cardinals. After living in Clarion for almost his entire life, he went to live at the Solon Care Center in December of 2018. Gene is survived by his daughter Deb (Jim) Schendt of Coralville, lowa; son Denny (Glenda) Elston of Clarion, lowa; granddaughter Angie (Jason) Krieger and children Claire, Blythe, Drew, and Quinn of Grimes, lowa; granddaughter Amy (Dave) Link and children Morgan, Jackson, and Sophia of Solon, lowa; grandson Roger Haupt Jr. of Webster City, Iowa, and daughter Mackenzie of Tampa, Florida; grandson Dusty (Tami) Elston and daughter Rillie of Clarion, lowa; along with numerous other family members and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, and brothers Donald and Vernon. Gene's family would like to thank everyone at the Solon Care Center for taking such great care of our dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. The kindness and compassion shown to him will never be forgotten. Memorials may be made to the Wright County Fair.