EUGENE R. CODY

Eugene Richard Cody, known to most as “Gene,” passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2024, at the age of 91 in Beaverton, OR. Born on Aug. 6, 1933, in the small town of Humboldt, Gene was the youngest of five children to Walter Scott Cody and Mae Gladys Kinkade Cody. Growing up in small-town Iowa was Gene’s playground, where he had the run of the place—swimming in the rock quarry, biking around town with friends, and embracing the kind of carefree freedom only kids back then truly got to enjoy.
Gene went on to graduate from Iowa State University in 1957 with a teaching degree, and not long after, the Army called. He served two years at the tail end of the Korean War. Once back on Iowa soil, he met the lovely Virginia Wright. She fell for his quick wit and humor, and after a fun year and a half of courtship, they tied the knot on June 12, 1959. Their marriage spanned an incredible 65 years! The early days of their marriage were filled with adventure as both Gene and Virginia were teachers, spending the first seven years of wedded bliss traveling the world and having a grand time.
In 1966, Gene’s life got a bit busier with the arrival of their first child, Bret Andrew Cody, followed by Sabrina Cody two years later. Gene was a fun and loving dad, always ready with a joke to smooth out the bumps that come with raising active kids.
After ten years as a high school English teacher and a few other jobs along the way, Gene decided to follow his entrepreneurial spirit and opened Cody’s True Value Hardware in Willard, MO, and later in Tulsa, OK.
As retirement loomed, Gene and Virginia wanted a cooler change of pace. With Bret having moved to the picturesque town of Portland, OR, it seemed the perfect place to settle. In 1997, they made the move to Oregon, where Gene enjoyed visiting the coast, hiking, woodworking, tackling house projects, enjoying music, and spending quality time with family who lived nearby.
Gene leaves behind his loving wife, Virginia Cody, son Bret Cody, and daughter Sabrina Cody Hundley, along with many fond memories of a life well-lived.
For those who would like to send condolences, they can be sent to Virginia Cody at 14570 SW Hart Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007, Apt 148.
Rest in peace, Gene—you’ll be missed but never forgotten.