Gene Alan Gahr, 88, of Carlinville, died on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Heritage Health Care in Carlinville.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 27, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Carlinville. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home of Carlinville assisted the family with arrangements.
Mr. Gahr was born on Jan. 23, 1935, in Litchfield, to Olin Gahr and Mary Oepke. He was raised by his paternal grandparents on the Gahr farm on Snell Road. On the farm, he grew to love hunting, fishing, gardening and building; skills he used until his last days. Mr. Gahr attended Hazelwood School, a quarter of a mile from the farm, where he completed grades first through eighth. He was the last graduating class from Hazelwood School. Mr. Gahr 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.
Mr. Gahr was drafted into the United States 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. Mr. Gahr 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, Mr. Gahr enjoyed gardening and spending time at the family farm hunting, fishing, and puttering. He had a sly wit and he loved his family with a passion and always had a smile on his face.
Mr. Gahr is survived by his wife, Doris Gahr of Carlinville; children, Leanne Gahr and Matt (fiance’ Coleen McLaughlin Moore) Gahr, both of Carlinville; sister, Anna Jane Hornady of New Caney, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alvin Gahr.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ or the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be left online at www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com.
