Louis “Gene” Tapley, age 95, of Karnak, passed away at 7:10 A.M. Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Gene was born October 18, 1928 in Belknap, Illinois. He was the son of Virgil and Eula (Saltsman) Tapley.
On August 14, 1949, Gene was united in marriage to Patsy Sue Wilson at the United Methodist Church in Karnak, Illinois. She survives.
Gene is survived by two children – Scott (Kay) Tapley of Karnak, Illinois, Mecca (Jeff) Helm of Grand Chain, Illinois; four grandchildren – Brett (Carrie) Tapley of Tunnel Hill, Illinois, Brandi Seely of Nashville, Tennessee, Megan (Jordan) McClellan of Grand Chain, Illinois, Maren (Brad) Moreland of Dongola, Illinois; six great-grandchildren, Makayla Seely, Madyson Seely, Micah Tapley, Grady Lee McClellan, Myla Moreland and Liberty McClellan; one sister, Suzann Spindler of Chester, Illinois; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Dean Tapley of Coffeen, Illinois.
Gene was a U.S. Army veteran. He served during the Korean War assigned with the 78th. Anti-aircraft Battalion, 10th Anti-aircraft Group in Korea. On February 5th, 1951 his Battalion was commended with the Silver and Bronze Star. Gene was honorably discharged on May 25th, 1952 with the rank of Sergeant.
Gene owned and operated Tapley’s Service Station in Karnak for 35 years. He served on the Pulaski County Housing Board for 22 years and the Century Unit #100 School District for 17 years.
Gene was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting and fishing. He also loved the game of golf!
(Old Dad) will be missed by all that new and loved him.
Memorial services honoring the life of Mr. Louis “Gene” Tapley will be held at 11 A.M. Friday, February 9, 2024 at the Mound City National Cemetery with full Military Honors accorded by the United States Army National Guard Burial Detail Team and area veterans. Rev. Steve Heisner will be officiating. Everyone is asked to gather at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Envelopes will be provided.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.
To leave an online message with the family or share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com