Paul Eugene “Gene” Conder

Gene Conder, affectionately known by many as “Wee-Bunch,” was born on June 19, 1949, in South Bend, Washington. He passed away on May 29, 2026, at the age of 76 due to complications from an automobile accident.

Gene was born to Hazel and Paul Conder and grew up in Lebam, Washington, alongside his two brothers, Wilbur “Sonny” Conder and Warner Conder. He is survived by his brother Sonny and Sonny’s daughter, Sierra. Gene is also survived by his son, Trevor Conder; daughter-in-law, Thelma Conder; and grandchildren, Calista and Barrett.

Gene spent his childhood in Lebam, where he formed many lifelong friendships. As a boy, he developed a love for fishing, hunting, and sports. As a young man, he worked in the local cedar shake mill, gaining the skills and experience that would eventually allow him to own and operate his own sawmill.

In 1979, Gene moved to Yacolt, Washington, where he built a beautiful home on ten acres and his cedar shake mill. There, he and his wife, Debbie Conder, who preceded him in death, raised their son, Trevor. Gene employed and made friends with many people from the Yacolt and Amboy area, earning their respect through his welcoming personality, sense of humor, and strong work ethic.

Gene was deeply involved in local youth baseball, serving as a coach, umpire-in-chief, and often driving kids to sporting events. He liked to joke that being blind in one eye gave him a good excuse for missing balls and strikes. He was also a longtime member of the Lions Club, an organization dedicated to helping people with vision impairments.

An avid treasure hunter, Gene loved digging old bottles, metal detecting for relics and coins, and proudly sharing his discoveries with friends, family, and bottle clubs.

In retirement, Gene returned to Lebam, where he enjoyed fish fries, attending church, and pursuing his many hobbies. He spent many of those years with his beloved Carol Nelson, with whom he has now been reunited in Heaven.

Gene will be remembered for his generosity, humor, hard work, and love for family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Lebam Community Church at 1:00 p.m. on June 20.