Served his country during World War II Gene Francis Teague, 84, Sparta, went to meet his Lord and Savior Friday morning, Dec. 21, 2007.
He was born Jan. 8, 1923, in Sparta, the son of John and Bessie (Jones) Teague. On Dec. 6, 1940, Gene was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Geneva Tennis. Gene and Mary just celebrated their 67th year of marriage.
Gene worked as an educator in the Bruner and Breeden areas until his entry into the United States Navy where he proudly served his country during World War II as a Fireman 1st Class. Gene and Mary owned and operated grocery stores in Elkhead and Sparta, as well as running a beef and dairy farm in Bruner. Later, Gene worked for MFA, managing stores in Ava and Ozark, retiring after 25 years of service. Gene was a 50-year Mason of the Sparta Lodge 296.
Gene was baptized as a young man by Pastor George Clouse at Stewart’s Creek. Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.
Gene loved to travel with his wife, Mary, family and friends.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Mary; a son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Brenda Teague; a daughter, Brenda Weter; three grandchildren, Bradley Gene Teague and wife Kelly, Brooke Martin and husband, Dennis, and Cassie Patterson; seven great-grandchildren, Megan Rains, Brandon Patterson, Matti Weter, Andrew Spencer, Madison Teague, Collin Gene Francis Teague and Natalie Teague; one great-great-grandchild, Austin Rains; three step-grandchildren, Rusty Estes, Ryan Estes and wife, Amy, and Randall Estes; one step-great-grandchild, Reese Estes; three sisters, Maxine Cunningham, Mary Humble, and Sue Pellham and her husband, John; one brother, Bobby Teague and his wife, Betty; one brother-in-law, Estel Wolfe; other caring relatives, several friends and good neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Fae Harvill, Rae Watts, and Laura Wolfe; one brother, Otis Teague; brothers-in-law, Ralph Tennis, Raymond Tennis, Burl McTeer, Joe Humble, Arvel Cunningham, Manford Watts and Bob Harvill; sisters-in-law Bessie Tennis, Joretta Tennis, and Grace Teague.
Visitation was held Sunday, Dec. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m., in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, with June Watts officiating. Burial followed with full military honors provided by the National Guard Bravo Team.
