Gene "JJ" Hirakata, 91, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Monday, April 15th, 2019 at Crowley County Nursing Center, Ordway, CO.

Gene was born in Rocky Ford, CO on October 6, 1927, a son of the late Toki (Kumagai) and Keiji Hirakata.

He grew up on a family farm in the Rocky Ford area and graduated from Swink High School.

On January 16, 1954 he married Sachiko "Susie" (Harada) Hirakata in the First Christian Church of Rocky Ford where he was a member. He also served as a church deacon and elder.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Gene was also a past member of the Rocky Ford ELKS Lodge #1147.

Gene was a farmer his whole life. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his friends and an occasional trip to to either Las Vegas or Cripple Creek. He also enjoyed watching various sports. The highlight of his life was spending time and spoiling his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Susie, of the home;

Daughter Cookie (Ed) Tateyama, of Ault, CO;

Daughter Donna (Kirk Seville) Nakagawa, of Highlands Ranch, CO;

Son Glenn (Carmen) Hirakata, of Rocky Ford, CO;

Sister Tats Sato, of Mitchell, NE;

Brother Jerre (Betty) Hirakata, of Rocky Ford, CO.

He is also survived by 6 Grandchildren: Tyler (Natasha) Tateyama, Trey (Jordan) Tateyama, Mitchell Nakagawa, Grant (Jamie) Nakagawa, Kellie Hirakata, Kyle Hirakata; 2 Great-Grandchildren: Calvin & Carter Tateyama

He was preceded in death by his parents and a Brother: Franklin Hirakata.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 19th at First Christian Church in Rocky Ford, CO with Pastor John Dell officiating. Military service will be by the American Legion Post #8. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery Rocky Ford, CO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church 9th & Maple Rocky Ford, CO 81067 or Arkansas Valley Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.