Gene Center

Gene Center, age 76, of Sullivan, MO passed away peacefully Thursday, January 5, 2023 at his home after a long illness.

Born on November 8, 1946, Rolla Eugene Center and lived an idyllic childhood running the streets of Sullivan with his neighborhood friends. He completed his education in Sullivan and worked in masonry with his dad for a year before marrying the love of his life on November 20, 1965. He was then called to the service on February 23, 1966, and served his country during the Vietnam Conflict as an MP stationed in Thailand.

Gene and Mary Ann grew their family in 1967, 1970, and 1975 with the birth of three children: Kellie, Michael, and Justin. During this time Gene worked for Meramec Mining, Associated Crafts, and other independent contractors in the masonry and carpentry fields. Gene ended his time in the professional realm working with longtime friend and excellent business partner, Tony Hughey.

Gene’s preferred line of work, however, was spending time in his garden and yard. He enjoyed going down to the family land on the Meramec River and being outside at every opportunity. At Temple Baptist Church he faithfully served the Truckers Ministry and Children’s Church for 18 years, and became famous for passing out candy and gum with nearly reckless abandon. Gene also prized every moment that he could spend with his grandchildren and often busied himself with driving them to and from school and practices, and frequently reminded each and every one of them that they were his absolute favorite.

Gene started every day in quietness and often preferred solitude. If the sun was up, he was out in the yard, until the family came around and he had an opportunity to tell an iconic “Gene Joke” (wanna hear a rope joke?...nah, I’ll skip it). He was a source of strength for his wife, a mentor and idol to his children, and the epitome of fun and self-assuredness to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene was gentle and generous, and will be greatly missed by all who had the blessing of crossing paths with him.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann; three children:  Kellie Smith and her husband, Robbin of Sullivan, Rolla “Michael” Center and fiancée, Bridget Schroepfer of Leslie, MO and Justin Center and his wife, Kristin of Sullivan; eight grandchildren:  Owen & Abigail Smith, Kendall Stricklin and her husband, Seth, Taylor Jones and her husband, Brad, Christian & Zachary Center, Trevin & Nolan Center; two great-grandsons, Griffin & Theodore; a sister, Joyce Ritchey and her husband, Ron of Rolla, MO; a brother, Jack Center and his wife, Janice Center of Sullivan; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rolla & Selma Center.

Services will be 12:00 PM Noon, Monday, January 9, 2023 at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan with Pastor Scott Perry officiating.  Burial with full military honors will follow at I.O.O.F Cemetery in Sullivan.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service, Monday, January 9, 2023 at Temple Baptist Church, Sullivan.

Memorial contributions may be given in Gene’s memory to the Children’s Ministry of Temple Baptist Church.

Condolences may be shared online with Gene’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.