Wednesday services for railroad worker; killed in tornado

Gene Smith, age 71, of Joplin, Mo. passed away Sunday, May 22, 2011 from injuries sustained in the Joplin tornado.

Gene was born November 24, 1939 in Webb City, Mo. He had lived in the Joplin-Webb City area all his life. Gene was employed with the Union Pacific Railroad for 24 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served 29 years with the National Guard and Naval Reserves. Gene was a member of the Webb City Church of the Nazarene. He was also a member of the Joplin Eagle’s Lodge, and the Greater Joplin U.S. Bowling Congress. He loved Webb City Football and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Gene married Donna Gunlock August 10, 1973 in Webb City, Mo. and she survives. Additional survivors include one son, Jeff Smith, Joplin, one daughter, Robin Shember and husband James, Webb City, and two grandsons, Nick and John Shember.

Services will be at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Webb City Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Jim Martin officiating. Burial will follow with Military Honors at the Webb City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hedge-Lewis Chapel. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hedge-Lewis Funeral Home of Webb City, Mo.