Eugene Dwaine "Gene" Austin, 74, of Kirksville, Missouri passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024 at his home.

He is survived by fiancé Susan Riddle, Daughter Karri Tugwell, Son Gene Austin Jr. Grandchildren Owen and Norah Austin, brother Bill Austin and wife Jane, four nieces, Jackie Williams, Billie Jean Austin, Bobbie Jo Peters, Robin Huffman, one nephew Eddie Huffman and several great nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his mother and father June and William Austin, sister Judy Huffman, wife Sarah Barnhart Austin, daughters Mary Elizabeth Austin and Kelli Grimes, grandmother and grandfather Martha & Sterling Mosby.

Gene was a native of St. Louis, MO, and joined the United States Navy in 1969 where he served until he was released due to medical conditions. He went on to attend college in Hannibal and Kirksville, MO. Moving back to St. Louis in 1978 to work with his brother Bill, he eventually opened his own paint store and ran it successfully until he retired in 2021. He then moved back to Kirksville, MO, where he shortly, thereafter, lost his wife of almost 35 years.

He was a member of Cornerstone Church serving as the treasurer and was very involved in church functions and groups serving the community. His hobbies were gardening, trying out new recipes, his grandchildren, visiting family, playing Mexican train on Saturdays, but mostly devoting his life to God.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024 at the Cornerstone Church in Kirksville, with Pastor Jeremy Broach officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour before the start of the service.

Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 in the Eolia Cemetery in Eolia, Missouri.

Memorial donations in memory of Gene may be made to Lifeline Pregnancy or to the Northeast Christian High School. Donations may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.