- Paul Eugene Trullinger, who would be known as Gene, was born in Silverton, Oregon on September 16, 1942, to Paul and Darlene (Scott) Trullinger. Gene, and his parents, lived in a brooder house which was converted into a small home, on the property of his uncle, John and Ruth Trullinger, in Molalia, Oregon. He was welcomed by his cousin, Ardith Trullinger, who was a special person in Gene's life, and considered him as her "baby brother?.
Gene later moved to Waterson, Iowa, to live with grandparents, Minnie and Jack Scott, while his father Paul, served in the U.S. Army. Eventually Gene and his mother would accompany Paul to various Army bases. He was in Ortonville, MN with his parents on D Day and was happy knowing they would soon be returning home to Ringgold County.
In the next few years, Gene welcomed siblings Roger, Gwen, Quita and Kent. As a child, Gene enjoyed 4- H activities and showing livestock. He attended school in Benton, Redding, Delphos, Allendale, MO and Mount Ayr. Gene obtained his GED and took classes at DMACC, where he was on the Honor Roll. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963. Prior to leaving for the Navy, he asked his best friend, Allan Jared, to check in on his siblings during his absence. While enlisted in the Navy, he was a Sea Bee Welder, stationed in San Diego. Later he was stationed in Bermuda, Cuba, and Scotland. He spoke about digging fox holes in Cuba preparing for Bay Of Pigs Invasion and Cuban Missile Crisis. He never missed an opportunity to have fun along the way, enjoying boxing and meeting others in different countries. While on leave, he would work on various construction jobs, including building runways at the Des Moines Airport.
In 1965, Gene married and started a family with Bobbi West and daughter Jamie. Later, Gene and Bobbi then welcomed Jon, Jackie, and Jodi. Tingley was their home until moving to rural Kent and eventually moving back to Tingley. Gene operated a sawmill, did welding, and operated a fur buying business. He would sell hides to Japan and Canada, working with Belt Fur in Missouri. Gene hired Mike Avitt and Tony Butler during this time and continued their friendship to this day. Gene also enjoyed his draft horses and Coon hunting dogs. He would enter competition and bring home many trophies.
Gene would eventually move to Union Star, Missouri with his childhood friend Glee (Bear) Tony and worked in St. Joseph as a welder; worked for the State Highway Dept and in the Missouri Prison system teaching guys how to weld. He has recently been working for a friend, JR, taking care of the championship dogs and enjoying going to shows and competitions around the country. He had become an active member of the Baptist Church at Union Star and helped with pizza parties for the football players. Gene said his greatest accomplishment in life was his kids because they are ambitious and hard working.
Gene led a fulfilled, active life, filled with many unique stories and adventures. On 2/22/22, at St. John Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas, he passed away peacefully. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Pearl and Irving Trullinger, grandparents Minnie and Jack Scott; parents Paul and Darlene Trullinger; and brother Roger Trullinger.
Gene is survived by his children Jamie (Keith) Miller, Jon (Tracey) Trullinger, Jackie (Keith) Werner and Jodi Trullinger; siblings Gwen Trullinger, Quita (Ron) Bethards, Kent (Debbie) Trullinger; many nieces, nephews and grandkids.
Memorials are to Ringgold Post #172, American Legion in Mount Ayr and Middle Fork Cemetery.
|
1942 - 2022 (79 years)
