Chester Eugene “Gene” Anthony, 79, passed away while surrounded by his family on Oct. 22, 2022.
Gene was born to Chester Frank and Stella Mable Anthony on Jan.26, 1943 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He grew up with seven siblings, Louise Pinkerton (deceased 2020), Norma Fredwell, Junior Ernest Anthony (deceased 1947), Wilma Duncan, Mary Dell Carlson (deceased 1992), Frank Edward Anthony (deceased 2008), Ruth Ann Hunot (deceased 2021)
Gene attended Poplar Bluff High School. He met his beautiful wife Priscilla, at the ages of 17 and 16 respectively, on December 1960 through mutual friends (or how grandma Stella used to tell it “on the courthouse steps”). They married on Oct. 14, 1962 and have been by each others side for 61 years.
He spent most of his career in the automobile industry and sales. Ever the outdoorsman, Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. He had a special love for flying in his small airplane with his best friend Jay Brickell who taught him to fly. The many seasons at the family hunting cabin in Grandin were highlights of his life as he spent quality time with his two sons as well as other family and friends. He was a huge fan of old country music (Willie, Waylon and the boys) and loved traveling the country to see new places and things he had never seen before.
He touched many lives with his ability to be a great listener and to give helpful advice. He was very loving and always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Known as “ The Candyman” by all that loved him, he always had a smile, hug or stories at hand and of course, candy, especially for the kids.
Next to Priscilla, the most important thing in his life were his children and grandchildren. He always strived to make them feel loved and important. He would be the first to bring them up in conversations to others with pride, joy and laughter while telling stories of their lives and accomplishments. A true blessing to us all. He will be missed, but he will always be in our hearts.
Gene is survived by his wife Priscilla, and his daughter Kim (Timothy) Slane, and two sons Kirk ( Lori) Anthony and Steven (Yvette) Anthony. He also leaves granddaughters, Megan Meyers, Alexis McGuire, Danielle Anthony and Sidney Anthony. and great-grandchildren, Peyton McGuire, Cam Taylor and Hunter Meyers.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.