Eugene "Gene" Alfred Gooley

It is with deep sorrow and infinite love that we mourn the passing of Eugene Alfred Gooley of Marshall, Michigan. Eugene, age 94, passed away in his home of 54 years, on September 16th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family, his life’s greatest work. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Alfred and Maude Gooley, his sisters, Joyce and Frances and his former wife, Darlene. Gene is survived by his wife Robin (Knapp) Gooley, his daughter, Melissa (Tom) Tatar of Marshall; his grandchildren Alec Hakes of Marshall, Kyley Hakes of Marshall and Kloey Tatar of Marshall; his great grandchildren Eisley and Fulton Hakes, his niece Jessica Dailey, his great niece Zola Dailey and son Chad Gooley. Gene and his twin sister, Joyce were born on August 6th, 1929 in Battle Creek Michigan.

Gene attended Battle Creek Central High School when he began working at Post in 1948. Shortly thereafter, he left Post to enlist in the United States Navy, serving 4 years during the Korean War, attaining the rank of FN. When he was honorably discharged in 1952, he went back to work at Post. Gene and Darlene raised their children during his impressive tenure at Post. Gene remarried in October of 1986 to Robin, beginning a new chapter in his life. Gene lived a wonderfully filled life. After 40 years at Post and newly retired, Gene was equipped with his pilot’s license, making it so he could easily travel by land, sea and air. Gene owned 5 airplanes and multiple ’41 Chevy Pick-Ups, that he had restored, himself. Gene and Robin were known to indulge in a cruise from time to time, always enjoying one another’s company. Gene was an active member in the local Marshall Moose Lodge # 676, garnering many achievements, always with Robin by his side. Many days were spent with good friends, travelling to various Moose Conventions. During these conventions, he enjoyed dressing up on theme nights. The most memorable being Luau night, where Gene dressed as a woman, ensuring he would never be forgotten. He took pride in his home. Always neat and tidy, he enjoyed maintaining his field. After a long day of mowing, he could almost always count on a bonfire and a family dinner, just two doors down from his own home, where his daughter and son in-law raised their family. He was a family man, soaking up every gathering, every moment and every smile. He sat back, observed and listened. He heard love and laughter; things that he worked so hard for his entire life, the things that make a family.

Visitation for Gene will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy. 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068 with a Loyal Order of Moose Service beginning at 6:30 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating. Burial of his cremated remains will be held at a later date. Please join the family at The Marshall Moose Lodge # 676 (1238 S. Kalamazoo Ave. Marshall, MI 49068) for a luncheon gathering following the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the The Moose Lodge Charities in memory of AAA Projects or to the Wounded Warrior Project (P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516).

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.

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