Dr. Eugene Tice Hansbrough

Dr. Eugene T. Hansbrough, 90, a prominent Poplar Bluff medical doctor and surgeon died Monday, June 29, 2015 at his residence.
Dr. Hansbrough, son of the late Hilton A. and Della A. (Tice) Hansbrough, was born Feb. 24, 1925 in Sharon, Tennessee. With intentions of going to University of Tennessee at Martin on scholarship to play basketball and obtain a degree, he received his draft notice to serve in World War II with the U.S. Army. He later served with the U.S. Air Force. While in the Army he attended the University of Utah at Salt Lake City, Utah. He then was retained for medical training which he began at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. After receiving his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), he completed his surgical residency at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Little Rock, becoming a Board Certified General Surgeon in 1956. His medical school appointments included University of Arkansas-Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia - Preceptor Program and University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri - Preceptor Program.
In 1958, he began his practice at Kneibert Clinic in Poplar Bluff, becoming the first general surgeon in Southeast Missouri. The family stated that his proudest accomplishment while serving at Kneibert Clinic was starting an education program. It was the "first hospital in the United States, other than a teaching medical center, to get a Category I (American Medical Association) approved program.
During his career in Poplar Bluff, Dr. Hansbrough served as Chief of Staff of Doctors Regional Medical Center, serving on its Board of Trustees and Board of Directors for 25 years. Dr. Hansbrough also served as Chairman of the Executive Committee at Kneibert Clinic served as staff surgeon for DRMC and Lucy Lee Hospital. Dr. Hansbrough was elected president of the Missouri State Medical Society and the Missouri State Surgical Society and served on Board of Directors Missouri Regional Planning Program and Bi-State Regional Medical Planning Program.
Active in the community, Dr. Hansbrough served as chairman of the Poplar Bluff School Board for 20 years, including 16 as its chairman. Dr. Hansbrough served on the Three Rivers Community College Board of Trust; served on the Board of Directors for the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce; and was Chairman of the First Methodist Church Board of Directors.
On Aug. 1, 1948 shortly after completing medical school, he married Carolyn Marie Carter in Indianapolis, Indiana. She preceded him in death on July 11, 2004.
Survivors include three children: Dr. Randy Hansbrough and his wife, Jane of Bowling Green, Kentucky and Dr. Eugene "Gene" Hansbrough of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Ann Hansbrough and her husband, David Stout, of Kansas City, Missouri; and seven grandchildren: Gregory Hansbrough, Tyler Hansbrough, Ben Hansbrough, Andrew Hansbrough, Julia Hansbrough, Courtney Stout and Mackenzie Stout.
In addition to his parents and wife, two sisters, Wilma and Margaret also preceded Dr. Hansbrough in death.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday in the funeral chapel with Rev. David Huck officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Three Rivers College, 2080 Three Rivers Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 or First United Methodist Endowment Fund, 500 N Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.