DECATUR — Richard “Gene” E. Wilmoth, 86-year-old resident of Decatur, AR, peacefully entered the presence of Jesus surrounded by family on Saturday, April 6, 2019. He was born on November 4, 1932, in Decatur, AR, to Jack and Opal Wilmoth. Gene married Norma Jane Shook on January 21, 1950. They were married for 68 years.
He attended and graduated from Decatur High School in 1949. Gene stayed in Decatur, where he worked for Peterson Industries, from which he retired as the company’s executive vice president after 50 years. During his career, he served on various committees of the National Poultry Federation, as well as on the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Decatur State Bank. Gene was active in the community, having served on the Board of Directors of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Decatur School Board, and in numerous capacities as a member of Decatur First Baptist Church since 1954. Gene was widely regarded by family and friends as a man of uncompromising integrity and a deep, abiding faith in the Lord.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Opal Wilmoth; his wife, Norma Jane Wilmoth; sister, Lorraine Peterson; and brother, Jack Wilmoth.
He is survived by his daughter, Teresa W. Allen, and son-in-law, Roderick L. Allen of Siloam Springs, AR; his daughter, Paula W. Still of Benton, AR; five grandchildren: Josh and wife Stacey, Shannon Allen, Nick Allen and wife Autumn, Jackson E. Still, and Malea McElyea and husband Bobby; thirteen great-grandchildren, brother, Bill Wilmoth; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., April 9, 2019, at First Baptist Church, in Decatur with Pastor Justin White officiating. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation or Alzheimer’s Foundation. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs.
PAID OBITUARY