Gene McNeish

A Celebration of Life for Gene McNeish, 62, will be Friday, April 14, 2023, from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter’s Hall in Chariton, Iowa. Memorials may be made in care of Gene’s family.

Eugene Robert McNeish was born February 14, 1961, in Knoxville, Iowa to Dean and Louise McNeish. Gene was one of three children born to the couple. He was raised alongside his sisters, Tammy and Deana. Gene’s family lived in Davenport when he was in elementary school. They moved to Chariton after his fourth grade year where he finished his education. Gene was in the Chariton High School class of 1980.

It was during his high school years that Gene met Sue Wilson. The couple was united in marriage on September 29, 1979. They were blessed with two children, Hanna and Andy. Gene was always so very proud of his kids.

Gene worked most of his life in construction and did a lot of dirt work. He also drove a truck for a decade. When he wasn’t working, Gene loved spending time outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish, especially with the kids and grandkids, aka “the circus”. Gene was adamant about always having M&Ms and Oreos for the kids. He looked forward to every motorcycle and ranger ride. When he took the ranger out, his Australian Shepherd, Pearl, always sat up front. This often meant that Sue and any other passengers were stuck in the backseat.

Gene was ornery with a great sense of humor. He always kept those around him laughing. He was also opinionated and loved a good argument. The hotter his food was, the better, and he always tried to get other to try his “magic sprinkles”.

His family meant the world to him and he always said that they were a “pretty good bunch”.

Gene passed away April 10, 2023. He will be dearly missed by his dog, Pearl; wife, Sue McNeish; children, Hanna (Brad) Gwinn and Andy (Cindy) McNeish; grandchildren: Autumn, Ethan, Hayden, Ellie, Brynlee, and Kinsley; sister, Deana McNeish; nieces: Chelsea Wilson, Lauren Pollitt, Kelci Bryant, Tyra Bryant and their families; siblings-in-law: Chris Mitchell, Josie and Buck Holmes, and Donnie and Kris Wilson; along with many relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Louise McNeish, and his sister, Tammy McNeish.