Eugene Edward “Gene” Clounch, Jr., 78, Iola, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017 at Windsor Place in Iola.
Gene was born March 28, 1939, in Iola to Eugene Edward and Gladys June (Boyd) Clounch. He married Naomi Johnson on Dec. 28, 1962, in Iola. He worked at Ellis Motors and Arbuckle Automotive in Iola as a mechanic early in his life. Later he worked for Heartland Rural Electric as a lineman, where he retired after 32 years. He coached Little League baseball, and was a certified A.S.A. umpire. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, working outdoors and tinkering on various projects. He will always be remembered for his willing helping hand for those in need, and for his quick wit.
He is survived by his wife, Naomi, of the home, sons Paul Graham and wife Rondalyn, Hollywood, Calif., and Rodney Graham, Fort Scott; daughters, Teresa Clounch, Hays, and Gena Clounch, Iola; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth Clounch, St. Louis, and a daughter-in-law, Ida Graham, also of St. Louis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Wilma Johnson, sons Thurman Graham and Nathaniel Graham, and a grandson, Justin Graham.
A memorial service for Gene will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Iola. Inurnment will follow at Highland Cemetery in Iola. Contributions in his memory are requested to the Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church.
Condolences for his family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Gene Clounch
