Gene Douglas Ranger

Gene Douglas Ranger, of Portage, passed away on Saturday November 4, 2023 at the age of 84.  He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on April 3, 1939, the son of Don & Helen (Huyck) Ranger.

On June 25, 1960 he married the love of his life, Royal Fern Garrison.  Together they raised 4 children Kayla (Greg) Ranger-Dean, Aaron (Dominique Johnston), Nila Lowrey, and Leah (Steve) Futch.  Their grandchildren were very important to them and they doted on Kelsey (Andrew) Bryer, Alison & Molly Dean, Nick (Hannah) Ranger, Marah Ranger, Carson Lowrey, Mariah & Shayna Futch, and Cami (Andrew) Hanson.

Gene was a member of the Air Force Reserves and worked on repairing jet engines. He started his work career at Gibson Guitar Co, creating, shaping and finishing guitars.  After graduating from Western Michigan University, he started his 30-year teaching career at Kalamazoo Public Schools.  First, he taught Small Appliance Repair and Electronics at Loy Norrix High School.  Then he moved on to Hillside Middle School where he helped develop the Technology Education model for KPS from 1986-1990 which was later adopted by the State of Michigan as a model curriculum. Along with teaching, Gene, owned MicroRanger, a microwave repair business.

Gene and Royal loved to travel, some of their most memorable trips were to Hawaii, Europe, Arizona and an Alaskan Cruise.  They were also very supportive of their grandchildren’s activities and could be found on the sidelines of many soccer matches, baseball games and band concerts!  Gene enjoyed participating in a NASA Space Camp, visiting the Kalamazoo Air Zoo and sharing memories with his family.  Additionally, he took pleasure in hunting, fishing, camping, walking and remodeling homes.  He was an avid woodworker and made amazing pieces for his family, friends and church.  Gene and Royal were long time members of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church; he was an integral part in their expansion process.

Gene was preceded in death by his son, Aaron, his parents Don & Helen Ranger, brother Glen and sister Joyce Brown. Also, his in-laws Roy and Fern Garrison and sisters-in-law Lois Stermer & Florence Glidden.

In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and a public celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002, on Friday, December 15, 2023, with a time for visiting beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Gene will be interred at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Gardens South immediately following the service.

Memorials made in Gene’s memory may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. 

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Gene’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Ranger family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.