Eugene Massey

Eugene Massey, 91, of Pekin passed away at 9:01 a.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at his home.

He was born on July 1, 1934, in Smith County, TN, to George L. and Myra (Cuttrell) Massey. He married C. Joann Christianson on December 3, 1955, in Yuma, AZ. She preceded him in death on March 16, 2005. Their son John K. Massey preceded him in 1970. Also preceding him in death were his parents; brothers Kenneth, George Jr., and James; sisters Edna, Katherine, and twin Eudene; his half-sister Rose Marie; and his son-in-law John Skaggs.

He is survived by his three children, Karen (the late John) Skaggs of Coal City, IL, Richard (Chris) Massey, and Scott (Teresa) Massey both of Pekin, IL; eleven grandchildren, Mary (Adam) Essary, John Skaggs, Michael (Nina) Skaggs, David (Erin) Skaggs, Suzanne (Brian) Powell, Elizabeth (Trey) Nevius, Ian Massey, Nicholas (Christel Brewer) Massey, Allison Massey, Rachael (Mike) Wyman, and Ryan (Kammy) Massey; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one half-sister, Bettye Estes of Lebanon, TN.

Gene was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He was a dedicated member of the National Rifle Association, Pekin Moose Lodge #916, and Pekin Elks Lodge #1271. After serving his country, he devoted 39 years to Keystone Steel & Wire as a supervisor, retiring in 1996. In his leisure time, Gene cherished fishing, hunting, golfing, tending to his yard and was very talented at floral and vegetable gardening. He had a special devotion to “his birds”, caring for and feeding them dutifully. An avid fan, he cheered passionately for the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers. Gene adored his entire family. He always made an appearance and spent valuable time at every family fish fry and cookout. He was grateful for home cooked meals and would always light up a room with his quick wit and great sense of humor, sharing jokes with his friends and family. He had a charismatic personality and was loved by all.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2223 Sheridan Rd., Pekin, IL, with Pastor Stephen Barnes officiating. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.