Donald E. “Gene” Bohannon

DONALD EUGENE “Gene” BOHANNON

Donald Eugene “Gene” Bohannon was born May 14, 1933 in Quick City, Missouri and departed this life on October 15, 2024 at The Princeton Senior Living in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, at the age of 91 years, 5 months and 1 day.

He was the son of Charles M. and Ona (Lawson) Bohannon.

Gene spent his younger years in the Urich, Missouri area where he attended the Quick City School. Later the Bohannon family moved to Holden, Missouri, then to Kingsville, Missouri.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army from May 1, 1953 until April 30, 1955. After receiving his honorable discharge from the Army, Gene moved to Harrisonville, Missouri, where he was blessed with three sons, Donald Glenn, Frank Dean and Roger Kent.

On April 16, 1965, Gene was united in marriage with Phyllis Bernita (Ford) Lee in Miami, Oklahoma. With this marriage Gene’s “bonus son”, Kent Alan Lee, joined the Bohannon family. After their marriage, Gene and Phyllis made their home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

Most of Gene’s working life was spent at the Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, Missouri where he was an assembler, and a member of UAW #249. Gene retired from Ford in 1992 with 30 years of service. He was a member of Jewel Lodge #480 A.F. & A.M. of Pleasant Hill for over 54 years, and a member of the Ararat Shrine.

Gene enjoyed fishing, gardening, working outside and, watching NASCAR, wrestling and rodeos. He and Phyllis enjoyed traveling, even if it was just a day trip in the car. Gene never met a stranger and talked to everyone, he just enjoyed visiting and people watching.

Gene loved his family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. When his older grandsons became involved in cross country and track, Gene was there to support them, when the younger grandchildren became involved in showing horses, he never missed a horseshow. Many fondly remember him with his old green Styrofoam cooler full of Gatorade, getting to the shows early enough to get the best parking spot under the same old shade tree. The fact he was so well known at these shows lead to him being named Grand Marshall of the Cass County Fair in 2009.

Gene was preceded in death by, his parents, Charles and Ona Bohannon; brothers, Lester William Frances Bohannon, Lester Morris Bohannon, Albert Henry Bohannon, Jasper Sylvester Bohannon, Homer Dee Bohannon, Orley Nevell Bohannon, Lawrence Lincoln Bohannon, Charles Bohannon and Noel Franklin Bohannon; sisters, Irene Ellen Bohannon, Martha Christine Bunch and Mary Louise Crawford.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Bohannon of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; sons, Donald Glenn Bohannon of Poway, California, Frank Dean Bohannon of Pleasant Hill, Missouri and Roger Kent Bohannon of Centerview, Missouri; step-son, Kent Alan Lee and wife Lynn of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; brother-in-law, Jerry Ford of Osceola, Missouri; grandchildren, Christopher Glenn Bohannon, Adam Douglas Bohannon, Nicholas Bohannon, Cody Alan Lee and Megan Lynn Arwood; 14 Great-Grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many  friends.

The family of Gene Bohannon will receive friends on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. A Masonic Service conducted by Mr. Jim Williams will immediately follow visitation at 7:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Elder Darrell Shewmaker officiating. Casket Bearers will be Cody Lee, Megan (Lee) Arwood, Chris Bohannon, Adam Bohannon, Dave Gerken and Brent Duncan.