South Hadley-Eugene J. Descant, 84, died Thursday at the Soldier's Home in Holyoke. He worked for many years as a maintenance mechanic for Uniroyal and later for MMWEC where he retired in 1996. He served with Army Engineers during the Korean War. He loved to listen to his son play the guitar, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. Gene enjoyed many years and good laughs at the Holyoke Country Club with brother-in-laws Jack and Donald Leonard. He loved the Saturday night poker games at home and visiting with all of the customers at his daughter's (Becki's) restaurant Springdale Lunch. Gene was a longtime member of the Holyoke Elks. He will be missed by all his family and friends, especially his wonderful neighbor Wayne. He leaves his wife of 64 years and the love of his life Joan (Leonard) Descant, son Gene Descant and his wife Deborah of Feeding Hills, daughters Donna Gonet and husband David of Holyoke, Becki Guerin and husband Bob of South Hadley, Debra Karwoski and husband Philip of FL and Trina Knoechelman and husband Douglas of South Hadley, brothers Paul Descant and wife Gail of Southwick and Ernest Descant and wife Rita of Lockport, LA, sisters Anna Armand of Grand Island, LA and Deloris Reader and husband Michael of Gulfport, MS, brothers-in-law Donald Leonard and Jack Leonard and his wife Maureen and sister-in-law Charlene O'Meara and her husband Michael. He was predeceased by his son Drake in 1964 and by sister Diane and brother Newman. He will be sadly missed by all his 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will Monday at 10 am at Curran-O'Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., S. Hadley. Calling hours are Sunday 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Comfort Care Unit at the Soldier's Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. For more information please go to curranobrien.com.