Gilbert Eugene "Gene" Harris, age 66

Gilbert Eugene "Gene" Harris, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 6:12 PM - Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

A service celebrating the life of Gene, will be held at 10:30 AM – Friday, December 23, 2016, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, with Fr. Dean Probst officiating.  Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Newton, Illinois.  Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM – Thursday, December 22, 2016, at the church.  In loving memory of Gene, memorials may be made to the St. Thomas Church or School.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.

Gilbert Eugene better known as "Gene" was born on September 4, 1950, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Gilbert Owen Harris and Onorma (Baker) Harris.  He married Marlene Boehl on November 28, 1970, at St. Valentine's Catholic Church in the Bend, Jasper County, Illinois.

Gene retired from the City of Newton after 37 ½ years of service with the Water Department.  He also owned operated Gene's Landscaping and for several years owned Gene's Hobby Shop.

Gene was a member of the Ste. Marie Sons of the American Legion Squadron #932.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, raising flowers, dancing and feeding the birds.

Gene is survived by:
Wife of 46 years – Marlene Harris of Newton, Illinois
Daughters – Karen (Billy, Jr.) Weston of Noble, Illinois
Debbie (Jimmie) Goss of Newton, Illinois
Grandchildren – Levi Weston (fiancé Jeannie Baker), Tiffany Snow, Dusty Weston (Kesha Baker), Kendra (Jeramiah) Howze and Kollby Goss
Great Grandchildren – Travette Tarpley, Xzandrea Burgund and Zeckariah Howze
Sister – Rose Marie (Harry Dale) Douthit of Newton, Illinois
Brothers – Steve (Anita) Harris of Jamestown, Tennessee
Keith (Theresa) Harris of Newton, Illinois

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, brother Danny Harris and a sister Shirley Paul.