Louis Gene Connelly

Louis "Gene" Connelly of Columbia, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Oak Hill Nursing Home in Waterloo, Illinois surrounded by his family, having attained the age of 86 years, 9 months and 17 days.
Born on July 8, 1930 in Wayne County, Missouri, he was the son of Gerald Ray and Myrtle Cynthia Connelly, nee Cunningham. He was united in marriage to Constance Ann Walburn on August 27, 1952 in Edwardsville, Illinois and she survives his passing.
Gene was a lab technician for a water utitlity, a veteran of the United States Army, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, the Maple Leaf Gun Club, the Caseyville Gun Club and the Maryville Gun Club.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Surviving are his wife, Connie Connelly of Columbia, Illinois, his children, Keith (Nancy) Connelly of Waterloo, Illinois and Kimberly (Alina) Connelly of Columbia, Illinois; his granddaughter, Samantha (fianc, Jarrett Williams) Connelly of Brandon, Florida, his sisters, Oneta Gerling of Fairview Heights, Illinois and Chloe Connelly of Columbia, Illinois; his brother, Joseph (Helen) Connelly of Belleville, Illinois; his sister-in-law, Jolene (Al) Mogenis, nieces, nephews and many friends.
As Gene wished, his body has been donated to Washington University School of Medicine.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or Washington University School of Medicine.
The Creason Funeral Home in Millstadt, Illinois is assisting the family.