Gene Woodsmall

Gene Woodsmall, 83, of Nixa, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018 in Poplar Bluff, MO.

He lived life on his own terms, expected a lot from those around him, took responsibility very seriously, made very few bad decisions, maintained a dignified persona, and was a private individual. His last bad decision, to have bypass surgery, was fatal. His one big flaw was a quick temper–guess you're allowed one! He loved traveling in his Allegro bus, the Colorado San Juan Mountains, the southwest desert in the winter, his family, and life in general. Gene was a member of Southgate Baptist Church in Springfield MO and now resides in the joyful presence of his Savior.

Gene was the fifth child of William Alvin Woodsmall and Opaline (Stewart) Woodsmall, born October 12, 1934 in Jonesboro AR. He joined the U.S. Air Force on January 12, 1952 at the age of 17, completed his GED while in the service, and was honorably discharged on January 12, 1956. Two weeks after completing his military service, he was united in marriage to Glenda Smith in Berryville AR. They maintained their relationship with over 62 years of marriage with determination, communication, diligence and above all else, love.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, one sister; and son Steve. He is survived by his wife Glenda, daughter Carla, son Jeff and daughters- in -law Debbie and Sonya, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren (one on the way), and a multitude of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was the father of three children: Steven Eugene Woodsmall (deceased), Carla Dianne Coburn, and Jeffrey Stewart Woodsmall. After completing his business degree from Arkansas State College (now Arkansas State University), he was successfully employed by Ford Motor Co. in Memphis, TN, and Phillips Petroleum Co. which located him in Glasgow and Louisville, KY. In 1975 he became owner of Long John Silvers/A&W in Poplar Bluff MO until he sold it in 2015.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 19, 2018 from 10 - 11 a.m. at Moore Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff.

A Memorial Service will begin immediately following visitation at 11:00 a.m. in the Moore Funeral Service Chapel. Burial and Military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to John 3:16 Ministries, 75 Holmes Rd, Charlotte, AR 72522.