Gene Phelps, 72, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 6:45pm May 12, 2021 at his residence. Gene worked for many years for George Smith AG Service in Keenes. He later worked for Beelman Trucking. Along with his son Chad, they owned and operated a repair and storage company for over 20 years. He loved riding motorcycles and taking trips on his Harley Davidson. Gene enjoyed the outdoors and took great pride in keeping his vehicles shined and spotless. His greatest accomplishment was his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gene was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and adored him.
A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021at 10:00 am at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois with Mr. Dan Wilson officiating. Interment will follow. Memorials may be made in Gene’s honor to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
Gene is the beloved husband of 52 years to Rocky Phelps of Mount Vernon; devoted father of Chad Phelps and wife, Erika of Woodlawn, Illinois, Christi Ham and husband, Joel of Opdyke, Illinois, and the late Myka Kitowski and husband, Doug of Waltonville, Illinois; loving grandfather of Chase Phelps and wife, Lexie and Chance Phelps, all of Woodlawn, Illinois, Bryli Ham, and Cade Ham, both of Opdyke, Illinois, Braden Kitowski of Radom, Illinois, and Jasie Kitowski and fiancé, Isaac McPhail of Waltonville, Illinois; cherished great-grandfather of Kash Phelps and Kolt Phelps, both of Woodlawn; and dear brother of Bonnadine Eater and husband, Arthur of North Carolina.
He was born January 5, 1949 in Mount Vernon to the late Alva and Betty Phelps. Gene married Bridgett “Rocky” Hutchison on May 3, 1969 in Mount Vernon. In addition to his parents and daughter, Gene was preceded in death by his siblings, Nelson Phelps, Mary Bateman, and Estalee Short.
