Eugene "Gene" Conn (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Eugene “Gene” Conn was born December 16, 1932 in Eldridge, Missouri, to his parents, Elza and Iva Jane Conn. He departed this life Tuesday, August 12, 2025 in the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri. He was ninety-two years, seven months and twenty-seven days of age.
Gene was raised in Marshall, Missouri and joined the United States Army when he was seventeen years old. He spent twenty years with the Army, completing tours in Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded several Medals of Honor while in the Army that included the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, two, Army Commendation Medals, and the Purple Heart. He loved his country and was proud to serve.
Gene had deep faith and the 23rd Psalm was very special to him. He shared often that this special chapter from the Bible brought him great comfort while hunkered down in a foxhole.
On February 4, 1967, Gene was united in marriage to Melba Jean Rhoads. They were married forty-one years before she passed away on March 7, 2008.
Following his retirement from the Army, Gene and Melba moved to Richland, Missouri where Gene was employed at Richland Golf Course. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed teaching young golfers the sport. Throughout his years of playing golf, Gene was proud to say he had accomplished getting five, holes-in-one. When his health declined, Gene moved to the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg.
Gene is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Spicer and her husband Jim of Estacada, Oregon; his nephew, Junior Gregory and his wife Barbara of Grain Valley, Missouri; three grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Melba; his parents, Elza and Iva; and his siblings.
Gene was well respected in his community and always looked forward to eating with his friends at the Wagon Wheel Café. He also enjoyed fishing when time allowed.
We celebrate a life marked by an enduring commitment to service and a profound love for his community. His was a life that exemplified leadership and will continue to inspire all who knew him. Gene’s memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of the many lives he touched.
Funeral service for Eugene "Gene" Conn will be Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 19, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery in Eldridge, Missouri. A memorial to the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg has been established and donations may be left at the funeral home.
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