VAN BUREN, MO. -- Gene "Smiley" Leuckel was born Jan. 1, 1935 in Perryville, Mo. He departed this life Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.; achieving the age of 82 years, six months, and five days.
Smiley was the second son of Phil A. and Debbie Leuckel, both of whom preceded him in death.
Smiley's love of airplanes started with watching his father fly. He earned his pilot's license at 16 years old, leading him to join the Air Force at the age of 18.
The Air Force stationed Smiley in Minot, N.D., where he met the love of his life, Phyllis. The two were married on May 19, 1956. Together they raised a family full of love and laughter.
If Smiley set his mind to it, he could accomplish anything. He had a successful career as a charter pilot in his younger years. Later, he loved putting on a show in his little Yellow Citabria. He enjoyed trapping for fur all along Current River. For 22 years, Smiley played keyboard for the Terry Ray Bradley Band. He also built natural rock fireplaces in Carter County for many years. On Sunday evenings, Smiley liked to play basketball with the "young guys," often out playing men a fraction of his age.
In the summer, you could find Smiley camped on his gravel bar enjoying the sun, the river, and the company of his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Smiley was preceded in death by his brother, Buddy Leuckel.
Smiley is survived by his wife, Phyllis Leuckel, his brothers, Buster Leuckel of Lynden, Wash. and Scott Leuckel (Linda) of Van Buren, Mo., and his sister, Mary Kay Moore of East Pointe, Mich. He is also survived by his five children: Robin Leuckel of Van Buren, Mo., Teri Moore (Chris) and Tracy Kern, all of Edwardsville, Ill., Toni Crites (Jeremy) of Van Buren, Mo., Gina Contreras (Donnie) of Maryland Heights, Mo. He was "Gumpy" to 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who loved him deeply.
Services will be held at noon, Saturday, July 15, 2017, in St. George Catholic Church in Van Buren, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lending-A-Hand Cancer Fund or Whole Health Outreach.
Onine condolences: www.mcspaddenfh.com
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