Bert Eugene “Gene” Blue, 72, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away on September 2, 2026, at Ozarks Community Hospital in Gravette, Arkansas, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Bert Eugene, known to his family and friends as Gene, was born on July 26, 1954, in Purcell, Oklahoma, to Bert and Mildred Blue. He dedicated many years of his life to education, serving as a high school principal with Wanette and Verden Public Schools. Through his work, he touched the lives of many students, families, and members of his community.

Gene was married to Reta for 25 years, and family was an important part of his life.

Gene will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered for his dedication to education, his love for his family, and the simple things that brought him joy—time spent on the golf course, watching the New York Yankees, and cheering on OSU football. Most of all, he will be remembered for the place he held in the lives of those who loved him and the many memories they shared together.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Mildred Blue; his siblings, Betty Kessler and James Blue; and his stepson, Timothy Avera.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Reta; his sister, Latricia (Virgil) Weedn; his brother-in-law, Joe Boatman; his stepdaughter, Tammey Smith; and his stepsons, Marcus (Rachel) Parks and Brandon (Kelly) Parks. He was a grandfather to Marc, Josh, Jace, Connor, Austin, Ruby, and Georgia; and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Bert Eugene Blue’s life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1506 W. Imhoff Rd., Norman, Oklahoma. Family and friends are invited to gather together to honor Gene’s life, share memories, and celebrate the time they were blessed to have with him.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Gene’s memory to consider making a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting our nation’s first responders, military members, and their families. Donations may be made in Gene’s memory.