Gene F. Person

Gene Frank Person, 91, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at Rising Sun Church of Christ, 6390 NE Rising Sun Dr., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 31, 2018, also at the church, and will conclude with burial at Rising Sun Cemetery.

Gene was born to Frank and Hazel (Shivers) Person on October 11th, 1926 in the Rising Sun Area of Eastern Polk County where his parents farmed. He passed away on January 28th, 2018.

After attending a one room school for 8 years, he entered East High – graduating in 1943.

As soon as he was old enough, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served from 1944-1945 during World War II. After the war, Gene always proudly flew the flag – day and night.

On June 5th, 1948 he was united in marriage to Wilma Jane Caldwell. To this union was born a son, Steven J. and daughter, Tonda J.

Not content on the farm, Gene became an over-the-road truck driver for various companies. The last 22 years of his trucking career were with Yellow Freight. Gene’s CB handle was “Sno Shu” due to his big size 15 feet. During his career, he was very active with Teamsters Local #147 and held many positions within the organization. After retirement, he drove for his son Steven at M&M Cartage.

He was a lifelong member of Rising Sun Church of Christ of Pleasant Hill. He was very active in the church, serving as an Elder for many years. Gene assisted with the maintenance of the church and helped build the most recent addition. Gene also served as Chairman of the Pleasant Hill Board of Adjustment for many years.

In his free time, Gene could be found in his garage doing any number of woodworking projects. Gene kept up on current events and enjoyed reading every word of the daily newspaper. He also enjoyed traveling in his motorhome across the U.S. with Wilma and his family. Gene loved animals and took his dogs everywhere he went. He loved God, his family, his church and his country.

For the past 6 years, Gene has resided at SunnyView Care Center in Ankeny. He was affectionately referred to by the aids, nurses, and staff as “Gene Bean” and known for his unforgettable smile.

Gene is survived by daughter Toni (Nate) Hanson of Omaha and daughter-in-law, Brenda Person of Runnells. Five grandchildren who lovingly called him ‘Paw’ – Joe (Polly) Thomas, Brandi (Aaron) Jackson, Brooke Person, Jamie Thomas (Dustin Young), and Angie (Brett) Darnall. 11 great grandchildren; Jayce, Brock, Zane, Boman, Jaxson, Brili, Quentin, Jaydee, Lucy, Tripp, and Dax.

Gene was preceded in death by son Steven in 2007 and his wife of 62 years Wilma in 2011.

Contributions may be directed to Rising Sun Church of Christ or Animal Rescue League.

Roll on, Sno Shu!

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