Edward Eugene “Gene” Watts, age 76, of Columbia, passed away April 24, 2022, at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.

Gene was born in Boonville on October 27, 1945 a son of King Edward Watts and Orpha Mae Purvis Watts. He was a 1963 graduate of Boonville High School. He was employed with First Student as a bus driver for Columbia Public Schools and also trained new bus drivers. Gene’s favorite activities included going to car races and karaoke. One of his favorite songs to perform was A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation.

Survivors include his fiancée, Pam Paddock of Columbia; two sisters, Daisy Nowlin of Boonville and Lucinda Doyle of Marshall; two nephews, Eddie Reinbold of Boonville and Daniel Nowlin of Columbia; a niece, Marilyn Ewings of Boonville; six great nephews; four great nieces and six great great nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and by a nephew, Richard Wayne Reinbold.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 29, at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin, with Rev. David Mackey officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow Friday’s service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in New Franklin.

Condolences may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.