NEW LONDON, Mo. -- Gene A. Statler, 69, editor and co-owner of the Ralls County Herald-Enterprise, died Thursday, April 19, 2012.

Statler was born April 20, 1942, near Jackson, son of the late Woodrow A. and Hazel Gladys Bollinger Statler.

On July 15, 1967, he was married to Judith A. Crites.

Statler graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in secondary education. He also attended the University of Munich, Germany. He taught English, journalism and German in schools in Southeast Missouri and in Iowa before beginning his career in community newspapers.

He and his wife have owned and operated the Ralls County weekly newspaper since July 1996. Statler was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 441 AF&AM. He was also a member of the American Civil Liberties Union. Throughout his life he enjoyed numerous hobbies and interests, including reading, amateur radio, beekeeping and working on his 1962 Triumph TR4. Statler was a convert to the Buddhist faith.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Elisabeth Eugena Menadue of Iowa; a son, Phillip Nathaniel Statler of St. Charles, Mo.; four grandchildren, Alyssa Grace, Jack and Zane Danger and Natalia Menadue; a sister, Joy Engelhart of Pocahontas; a brother, Glenn R. Statler of Sedgewickville, Mo.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Frances Statler; and a brother, William R. Statler.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bienhoff Funeral Home in Center, Mo. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

He was cremated and the ashes were buried in the Statler and Flatwoods cemeteries near Sedgewickville.

Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 9433 Olive Blvd., Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63132.

Online condolences may be made at www.bienhofffuneralhome.com.