Joseph Eugene (Gene) Eikerman, of Marshall, MO died Saturday, November 9, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Visitation will be held at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall at 1:30 Tuesday November 12, 2024, followed by a funeral service at 2:30 with Fr. Francis Doyle officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter Catholic School or Boy Scout Troop 45 in Marshall, MO. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com
Born March 27, 1937, in Hardeman, MO, Gene was the son of the late Fred William Eikerman and Opal Emma Snider Eikerman. While growing up in Marshall he was an active Boy Scout earning many leadership positions including Order of the Arrow. He was a 1956 graduate of Marshall High School.
From 1956 to 1960 Gene served active duty in the U.S. Navy. Gene found his passion for aviation in the Navy. He completed training at the Naval Aviation Technical Training School in Norman OK, then attended Naval Air Technical Training Command Olathe, KS for Air Traffic Tower School completing in 1957. He was stationed at Naval Air Station in Atsugi, Japan and at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, CA where he attained top security clearance to work in the Technical Control Center at Commander of Fleet Air Alameda.
On August 25, 1962, Gene married Mary Faye Sadewhite who survives of the home. Gene and Mary enjoyed fishing, boating, and other outdoor adventures. Other than his time in the Navy, Gene lived in Saline County his entire life and worked most of his career for Marshall Municipal Utilities. He was an active parent leading many St. Peter School activities such as building sets for musicals and plays and serving as an assistant Scout Master where his son Curt was a member.
In addition to his wife Mary; he is survived by three children: Debbie Yantis (Brett) of Kansas City, Curt Eikerman (Katrina) of Fortuna, CA and Beth Borchardt (Craig) of Liberty, MO; three grandchildren: Samantha McClung (Bryson), William Yantis, and Stuart Yantis; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Gene was preceded in death by all five of his siblings: Elaine Bailey, Doris Trent, Lucille Merchant, Ruth McKee, and Fred William Eikerman, Jr.