Eugene Biler Jr.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Eugene J. Gene Biler Jr., 82, of Chaffee died Saturday, July 24, 2010.

He was born May 15, 1928, at Lilbourn, Mo., to Eugene and Luella Thompson Biler.

Gene attended St. Mary's School and graduated from Chaffee High School in 1946. Gene was known as "Duck" to his friends for his famous football waddle moving the ball down the field. Gene and his brothers John and Bill grew up in the area around New Hamburg, Mo., and Caney Creek near Oran, Mo. Many stories have been told of their famous, well-known escapades.

Gene married his best friend and the love of his life, Peggy Maxine Denton, on May 19, 1950, in Chaffee. Together they raised six children and created a happy and full life with each other. Part of Gene's life journey included 23 years as a marine engineer with Sinclair Oil Co. and five years with Overhead Door Co. of Jackson. In 1971 he helped fulfill Peggy's lifelong dream by becoming co-owners of Hearts & Flowers Bridal and Gifts Inc., a business they ran together successfully for 13 years.

Gene was a great lover of the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially deer hunting with his sons, brothers and friends enjoying good food, Stag beer and good stories. Spending time at the cabin on the Current River was another of his great loves. If he'd had it his way, the rest of his days would have been spent in the woods "away from it all." One of Gene's favorite hobbies was woodworking, and he was often called by friends and neighbors to help fix anything. To know Gene was to love him; his roar was much worse than his bite. Pawpaw Gene was adored by his grandchildren and his "ta ta ta tada."

He was very much spoiled by his daughters. When he called and said "jump," they said, "How high, Daddy?" The last few years of his life, even with his health failing him, he always wanted to know "where the party was" when any holiday rolled around. Gene thrived on family get-togethers, great food and good times. He leaves his family with many happy, wonderful memories.

Gene was blessed throughout his life with six children, Kara Biler Ragge of Fort Smith, Ark., JoKaren Moyers (Mike) of Wappapello, Mo., Kurt Biler (Nikki) of Whitewater, Nancy Geiser (Bill) of Dutchtown, Jane Cook (Gary McLain) of Chaffee; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Biler of Conway, Ark.; 11 grandchildren, Stephanie McGee (Ed), Greg Slinkard (Amy), Ben Moyers, Monica Moyers Young, Ryan Moyers (Darci), Grant Biler, Jessica Fowler (Kevin), Jacob Geiser, Erin Geiser, Jordan Cook, Lindsay Allen (Dustin); 15 great-grandchildren, Chase, Emma, Parker, Destiny, McKencie, Kaitlyn, Lydia, Carsen, Cooper, Mykenzie, Jaice, Isaac, Jocelynn, Phoenix and Gunner.

Gene was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Peggy; son, Guy Stephen Biler; his parents; a brother, Bill Biler; and a sister, JoAnn Reiminger.

Daddy's quote to all: "It's a great life if you don't weaken." We love you, Daddy.

Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Monday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee. Chaffee Elks Lodge No. 1810 will do an Elks service at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel, with the Rev. Mark Claunch officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.