Obituary of Gene Alan Gahr

Gene Alan Gahr, 88 of Carlinville, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Heritage Health Care, Carlinville in Carlinville, IL. Gene was born January 23, 1935, in Litchfield, IL. He was raised by his paternal grandparents on the Gahr farm on Snell Road. On the farm, Gene grew to love hunting, fishing, gardening, and building; skills he used until his last days. He attended Hazelwood School, a quarter of a mile from the farm and completed grades 1 - 8. He was the last graduating class from Hazelwood School. He was 1952 graduate of Carlinville High School. He ran track and Cross Country and was a great long distance runner. He attended one year of college at Bradley University. Gene was drafted into the army in 1957 and was stationed in Bamburg, Germany for a year and a half were he fully embraced the adventure. He made many lifelong friends from his time in the army and looked fondly on his experience. On March 29, 1958, he married Doris Caudle and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Their favorite pastime was spending time together and volunteering and working at St. Paul UCC of Carlinville. Gene was a 60 year member of the Carlinville Rifle and Pistol Club in which he was a founding member. He retired from GTE in 1994 after 37 years. After retirement he enjoyed gardening and spending time at the family farm hunting, fishing, and puttering. Gene had a sly wit and he loved his family with a passion and always had a smile on his face. Gene was preceded in death by his father, Olin Gahr, mother, Mary Oepke, and brother, Alvin Gahr. Gene is survived by his wife, Doris Gahr of Carlinville, IL, daughter, Leanne Gahr of Carlinville, IL, son, Matt (fiance' Coleen McLaughlin Moore) Gahr of Carlinville, IL, sister, Anna Jane Hornady of New Caney, TX, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation is Monday, June 26 from 5-7 pm at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Carlinville, IL and funeral is at 10 am, Tuesday, June 27,2023, at St. Paul UCC. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ or the charity of the donor's choice. Please visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville, IL, is in charge of arrangements.