RUSSELL "GENE" EUGENE CLAUNCH

Johnston City-Russell "Gene" Eugene Claunch, 85 passed away at 10:20 A.M. Saturday May 11, 2019 at the Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin.

Services will be held at 6:00 P.M., Wednesday May 15, 2019, at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Larry Stevens officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home with military rights conducted by the Marion V.F.W, American Legion and Navy Burial Honors.

Gene was born on March 7, 1934 in Herrin the son of Floyd and Ethel (Williams) Claunch. He married Rita (Zavis) who preceded him in death on April 24, 2007.

Gene was retired from the telephone company where he worked as a lineman. He proudly served in the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Navy.

He is survived by a daughter, Renee' Pyle and husband Jon of Canton, GA; a son, Rusty Claunch of Johnston City; four grandchildren, Heath Pyle, Max Pyle, Randi Claunch, and John Russell Claunch; a brother, Danny Claunch and Wife Betty of Johnston City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Holly Pyle; and two brothers, Bill Jack and Bobby Ray.