GENE FARRIS

C.E. "Gene" Farris, 76, of Cairo, Ill., died on Friday, Dec. 8, 2000, at his home.

He was born June 9, 1924, at Miller City, Ill., son of Chris and Rovilla Bruce Farris. He was married on Jan. 2, 1949, to Bonnie Thompson. She preceded him in death on May 9, 1981.

He formerly lived in Olive Branch, Ill. Farris was a member of the Olive Branch United Methodist Church, where he was former chairman of the board of trustees. He farmed in the Olive Branch and Miller City areas until his retirement. Farris operated a successful goose hunting club from the time of the opening of the quota zone until 1984.

He was a dedicated public servant, serving six terms as Alexander County commissioner and several years as chairman. He was always a proud activist of the Democratic Party. He served on the Egyptian Unit School Board from 1966 to 1971. He served on the Southern Five Regional Planning Commission and on the Shawnee Development Council.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the Marine Corps in the Pacific from 1942-48.

Farris was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Past Master of Caledonia Lodge No. 47 AF & AM. He was a member of the Ainad Shrine Temple, Scottish Rite Bodies, York Rite and Knights Templer.

His other activities included being a charter member of the Horseshoe Lake chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Pulaski-Alexander Sportsmens Club, 4-H leader, Pulaski-Alexander County Farm Bureau. He worked for the Alexander County Housing Authority until the time of his death.

He is survived by two sons, Chris Lane Farris of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., and Jeffery Farris of Olive Branch; a brother, Marion Farris of Olive Branch; a sister, Ruby Miller of Olive Branch; three grandchildren, Cassandra Farris of Farmington, Mo., Lance and Bonnie Farris of Olive Branch; nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Farris.

Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill., from 4-9 p.m. today. Masonic services by the Caledonia Lodge will be at 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Olive Branch United Methodist Church. The Revs. Gene Hart and Jerry Herring will officiate, with burial in the Green Lawn Memorial Gardens with military honors by the Marine Corps honor guard.