Gene Paul Rider

Gene Paul Rider, 45, of Wappapello, MO, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2014, at Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital.

Gene was born September 28, 1968, in Cape Girardeau, MO to the late John and Barbara Wright Rider.

On December 15, 1987, he married Varkay Longnecker in Midwest City, OK. She survives of the home.

Gene was a towboat captain and enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and hunting.

Other survivors include his children: Dusti Renae Rider of Wappapello, and Anthony Rider and daughter in-law, KaCee Rider of Fisk, MO; a granddaughter, Aubrey Jean Rider, step-mother, Donna Rider; five brothers: Wes Rider, Stan Rider, Mike Bergstron, Dave Bergstron, and Bruce Rider; and four sisters: Yvonne Griffith, Janice Cobb, Cona Dillinger, and Brenda Decker.

A sister, Debbie Hilligeist, also preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6 ? 8 p.m., Monday, at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Wappapello. A brief visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, with the funeral services following at 10:30 a.m. at the chapel. Interment will be at Little Brushy Cemetery.

All friends and relatives are invited to a dinner at 1p.m. at the VFW in Wappapello.