On February 2, 2021 Retired Professor Dr. Gene J. Garfield completed his earthly travels. Gene retired after teaching for a number of years at Murray State University. He had earlier taught 9th grade world history in Boise, Idaho, worked as the social science librarian and taught at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, taught at Assumption College in Worcester, MA and most recently taught Political Science at Murray State University. At Murray State he was awarded: Max Carmen Outstanding Teacher Award 1985; Pi Sigma Alpha Outstanding Chapter Advisor 1999 and 2007; Regents Award for Teaching Excellence 1996; Alumni Association's Distinguished Professor 1993; and other awards. Gene was also a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. He was preceded in death by his father and mother – Albert and Geneva Garfield; his 4 brothers and 1 sister: Maynard and Marie Garfield, Wayne and Marion Garfield, Darrel Garfield, Wilma Jensen and Rulon and Shirley Garfield and many other friends and relatives. He is survived by his wonderful and lovely wife of 61 years, Roberta. They were married in Council Bluffs, Iowa while she was in nursing school. She supported Gene working as a nurse at various hospitals during his educational experience. She was an active Nurse Practitioner and Director of Health Services at MSU until her retirement. He is also survived by his son Greg (and Sheila) of Patterson, CA; his grandson Chris of Brentwood, TN and his daughter Natalie (and Susan) of Murray, KY and many nieces and nephews. Gene served in the U.S. Navy as a Dental Tech and was stationed in San Diego. While in San Diego he earned his high school diploma from San Diego Evening High School. After his discharge he graduated from Weber Junior College in Ogden Utah and Utah State University where he earned his BS and MS Degrees in Political Science. His Master's Thesis was devoted to analyzing the political career of a former Governor of Utah - Herbert B. Maw. He also worked at South Junior High School teaching history for one year. He then returned to USU to teach and serve as the Social Science Librarian. He resigned his position at Utah State and he, his wife and two young children drove across the U.S. for him to work on his PhD program at Southern Illinois University. He interrupted his student role for one year when he accepted a position at Assumption College, in Worcester, MA. Then, the family returned to Carbondale where Gene completed his PhD while Roberta supported the family. In 1970, Gene accepted a position at Murray State University to teach while finishing his degree…… he promised his wife that as soon as it was completed, they would return to the West but they so enjoyed Murray State! Gene loved the many opportunities to teach abroad – he was able to teach for the U.S. Air Force, in conjunction with Troy State University for a year in Germany and England. He also enjoyed teaching in England, France and Germany, especially in Regensburg! His family will hold a visitation from 2 pm – 4 pm on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North. Honorary pallbearers are Phil Bryan, Gary Brockway, John Yates, Dennis Johnson, Martin Milkman, Don Bennett, Ron Cella and Neil Weber. A private family graveside service will be Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Murray City Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071. Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Dr. Gene Garfield by visiting www.imesfh.com and posting your tributes and memories. The Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for the family of Dr. Garfield.