Ronald “Gene” Tennant, 80 of Kearney passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney. Memorial services will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Central Nebraska Veterans Home with Pastor Michael Koenig officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Gene was born September 12, 1943 in Stratton, Nebraska to Ray and Beulah (Wiest) Tennant. He attended McCook High School, graduating with the class of 1962. Gene proudly served in the U.S. Navy from October 31, 1962 until his honorable discharge on October 28, 1966. On July 19, 1968, Gene was united in marriage to Betty Clang in Broken Bow, NE. The couple made their home in Shelton, NE where they raised two boys. He held several jobs before starting his career at Eaton Corporation where he worked until his retirement after 27 years of employment. Gene enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his hardworking personality and being a provider for his family. He loved spending time with his family especially his granddaughters and great granddaughter. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty Tennant of Kearney; sons, Ralyn (Billie) Tennant of Grand Island and Russell Tennant of Lincoln; grandchildren, Cassidy and Trista Tennant and Jared Hollenbeck; and great granddaughter, Aaliyah all of Kearney. Gene was preceded in death by his parent; twin sons; and his sister, Sharon (Aaron) Johnson.