Cecil "Gene" Eugene Ballew

Cecil Eugene "Gene" Ballew, 81, of Poplar Bluff, MO, passed away on September 09, 2025, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Gene was born on July 09, 1944, to George and Martha (Downs) Ballew in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Sharon (Coombs) Ballew on August 05, 1972.

Gene built a lifelong career rooted in his deep love of motorcycles, tools, machines, and equipment. He had a true passion and gift for engineering and building things. Gene was a kindhearted man, known to have a great sense of humor and an ornery streak from time to time. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. His greatest joys were his family and friends.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sharon Ballew; two children that were his pride and joy, Michael (Diane Jones) Ballew and Angela Ballew; sister, Nikki Carpenter; brother, Jack (Evelyn) Ballew; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Les Carpenter; cousin, Bob Ballew; niece, Denise Zastrow.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 1:00-2:00p at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral will begin at 2:00pm with Pastor Glenn Epps officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Gene Ballew. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.