Gene P. Stephens

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Gene P. Stephens, 79, of Du Quoin, passed away at 7:19 P.M. Saturday, June 27, 2009 at his residence.

Gene has worked as an Assistant Dispatcher for the railroad. He was of the Methodist faith. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and had served as an instructor in the Signal Corp. He was a member of the Du Quoin American Legion. He was an avid car racing fan and had worked as a USAC Official.

He was born August 16, 1929 at Du Quoin, IL, the son of George Stephens and Edith (Prow) Stephens York.

He married Earlene Cavitt on July 9, 1950 at Du Quoin and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, two sons - Larry Stephens and Mike Stephens, both of Du Quoin, four grandchildren - Tracy Marie Stephens, Amy Jo Stephens, Drew Alan Stephens, and Jennifer Marie Stephens, and three great grandchildren - Zachary Michael, Dakota Lynn, and Sidnee Edith Cheyenne.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Private Family Military Graveside Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.