Gene Brockett

Thomas E. "Gene" Brockett, 81, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born May 25, 1934, in Oran, Missouri, to Thomas M. and Nona Hughes Brockett. He and Barbara Schmidt were married July 28, 1956. They were married nearly 40 years when she passed away June 10, 1996.

Gene graduated from Oran High School. He entered the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, May 4, 1953, in St. Louis. He was honorably discharged, a Tech 3, on May 3, 1956, at Fort Lewis, Washington. In the late 1950s, he graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

In 1969, the Brockett family moved from Oran to Jackson and purchased the former Fulenwider Drug Store in uptown Jackson. They later purchased Jones Drug Store in Jackson, and in more recent years, Twin City Pharmacy in Marble Hill, Missouri, partnering with Don Brown and Bryan Kiefer. Gene was known for his dedication to his customers and their well-being.

In the early 1960s, Gene earned his pilot's license. He thoroughly enjoyed flying and the many friendships he acquired through the Cape Girardeau Airport. One of his flying partners was his good friend, John Ellis of Jackson.

Another of his favorite hobbies was playing tennis.

Loving survivors include two daughters, Lesa Brockett Gubbini of Dunedin, Florida, and Gina Brockett Phillips of Jackson; a granddaughter, Meagan Phillips of Atlanta; a sister-in-law, Frances (the late Kenneth) Brockett of Cape Girardeau; two nieces, Sue Brockett (Brian Rogers) of Burfordville and Ann Brockett (Buck Richmond) of St. Louis; and his many co-workers at both pharmacies.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Thomas K. "Tom" Brockett in 1994; a brother, Charles K. "Kenneth" Brockett, in 2015; and his parents.

Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. An American Legion Service will be held at 7 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating.

Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens in Morley, Missouri, with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Safe Harbor Animal Shelter, the Humane Society of SEMO or A Sister's Hope.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.