Eugene “Gene” Johnson
Eugene “Gene” Earl Johnson, 93, passed away Thursday, September 09, 2021, at the Cuba Manor, Cuba, Missouri from congestive heart and kidney failure.
Gene was born February 06, 1928 to Tony Marvin and Maxine (Grisham) Johnson, in Hammond, MO. Later, Gene’s family moved to Theodosia, MO, where his father and uncle operated a general merchandise store. After leaving Theodosia, the Johnson family moved to Springfield, MO and then to Van Buren, AR. Gene started high school in Van Buren, but his family then relocated to Gainesville, MO. Gene graduated from Gainesville High School in 1946. Gene always loved attending the school reunions. He hoped to attend his 75th reunion this year, but his ill health prevented it.
Upon graduating, Gene joined the Navy on April 03, 1946. Gene had hopes of seeing the world, but when the Navy found out he could type, he was assigned to the personnel department and never set foot on a ship. Gene served 24 months and then returned to Gainesville, MO. He continued his education by attending a business school, in Springfield, MO.
In 1948, Gene married Geneva Pendergrass. During the early years of their marriage, Gene worked at the Kerr Chevrolet dealership in Gainesville. In 1956, Gene and his father, Marvin, purchased the Bank of Bourbon and moved their families to Bourbon, MO.
Gene worked at the bank for twenty years. He always enjoyed his customers and coworkers. He is remembered as being fair, honest, friendly, and very generous. After retiring from the bank in 1976, Gene and Geneva relocated to Ozark County, MO where they had purchased Geneva’s old family farmstead. Gene spent the most enjoyable time of his life gardening, raising cattle, and entertaining. He and Geneva were extremely hospitable to friends and family. Gene loved being a farmer.
In 1994, Gene and Geneva returned to Bourbon, MO where they remained until their deaths. Gene was a very spiritual person. He was a member of the Sullivan church of Christ where he attended faithfully. He led singing as long as his health allowed.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Maxine; one sister, Wilma Watson; an infant son, John Calvin; and son-in-law Fred Fife. His loving wife, Geneva, preceded him in death on September 10, 2020, just hours shy of one year from Gene’s death.
Those who remain to treasure his memory are his three daughters: Cathy Fife; Connie Craft and husband, Jerry; and Crystal Smith and husband, Tom; one brother: Grover Johnson: ten grandchildren: Elizabeth Scott; Sarah Helton; Freddy Fife; Christopher Craft; Jonathan Fife; Matthew Smith; Rebecca Walker; Rachel Smith; Jesse Smith; and Samuel Smith; thirteen great-grandchildren: Andrew and Luke Scott; Carter and Payton Helton; Mitchell and Maris Craft and Kamryn Wideman; Casey and Savannah Walker; Maci, Alyiah, and Gavin Smith; and Calvin Smith; four brothers-in-law: Dale and Larry Pendergrass; J.D. Thompson; and Robert Hart; and five sisters-in-law: Doroline Barnes; Ann Newton; Shirley Hart; Louise and Sandra Pendergrass; and one very special friend, Jim Smith.
A Visitation was held Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at the Sullivan church of Christ from 12 to 2 p.m. A private family service and burial, with full military honors, was held at the Bourbon Cemetery following the visitation. Gene was be buried alongside his beloved Geneva and their infant son, John.
Memorial contributions may be made to Crawford County R-1 Scholarship Fund in care of Mary Heywood, PO Box 747, Bourbon, MO 65441.
Condolences may be shared with Gene’s family online at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan.