Edmond Eugene “Gene” Rush, of Highland, KS died Friday afternoon, June 9th, 2017 at the age of 83. Gene was born August 15, 1934 on a small farm three miles east of Highland, the youngest son of Virgil and Ida (Ploeger) Rush. The Rush family were 5th generation farmers, Gene learned his way through his brothers and father. He grew up in Doniphan County and went to school at Severance. He graduated Severance High School in 1954 and joined the United States Army until 1956. Gene and Sally (Kerr) Rush married on April 19th, 1957 at the Severance Methodist Church. The couple were high school sweethearts and farmed all their married lives in Doniphan County where they also raised four children. In 1995, Gene and Sally moved to Highland, KS and opened The Meadowlark Bed and Breakfast where they enjoyed 20 years of hosting people from all over the country at their home. Gene was known for his kind demeanor and cheerful personality. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, working on equipment, caring for animals, and keeping up on current events. He liked to travel in his younger days and truly loved the landscapes of Alaska, where he was also stationed as a young man in the U.S. Army and enjoyed various fishing trips visiting Alaska. Gene loved to spend time on his farm with his sons and grandson working on his various projects, and taking care of the animals he acquired. He was a gentle man, generous and a lifelong learner; Gene cared for his wife, Sally, up until his death. Gene is survived by his sons; Paul and Karla Rush, of Highland; Tim and Sherri Rush of Wimberley, Texas; Mike and Tammy Rush, of Leona; a daughter; Julie Rush and her husband, Dale Tevebaugh, of Leavenworth; his grandchildren; Jackie Wilburn, of Prairie Village, KS and Stephanie Wilburn Lykins, of Lawrence, KS; Morgan Rush, of Kansas City, and Mason Rush and Brooklyn Rush, of Highland, his Sister-in-law; Shirley Silva, of Bela Horizonte, Brazil; numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.   He is preceded in death by his brothers; Joe Rush, Frank Rush, Hylen Rush, Harold Rush, George Rush and his sister; Audrey Roberts. A Celebration of Gene’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance. Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland after 10 a.m. Tuesday where the family will meet friends from 5 until 7 that evening. Memorials are suggested to Highland Community College Vo-Tech/Atchison Campus which may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 33, Highland, KS 66035. A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfunerahome.com