V. Eugene "Gene" Biggs

CARBONDALE - Vernon Eugene “Gene” Biggs passed away on April 2, 2019 in Paducah, Kentucky, after a brief illness. Gene was born in Carbondale, IL on August 3, 1935 to Vernon E. and Virginia F. (Bain) Biggs. He married Donna Marie Herron on August 21, 1955 and their union blessed them with three daughters and six granddaughters. Gene and Donna were married at Grace Methodist Church on the corner of Hester and Marion Streets in Carbondale, a church where he was a lifelong member. He later enjoyed an affiliate membership at Lone Oak United Methodist Church in Paducah. From age eleven, Gene was active in church choirs as both a member and director.



Gene earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from McKendree College and a Master of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. His professional life included eighteen years of teaching vocal music in Illinois. At nineteen, he became a certified pilot and later enjoyed many years as a flight instructor in the Aviation Flight program at SIU-C. He also served as an FAA Examiner.



Gene is survived by his wife, Donna; Daughters, Amy Jean (Barry) Smith and Gay Suzanne (Jim Lyell) Biggs; Granddaughters, Natalie Marie Smith, Courtney Jonne Stuck, Lauren Michelle (Dean) Santarinala, Bonnie Marie Stuck, and Emma Rose White; Brother-in-Law, Ron Hickman; Sister-in-Law, Dianne Herron, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.



He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jill Marie White, infant granddaughter Caren Suzanne Stuck, and his sister Diane “Cookie” Hickman.



Gene’s happiest times were spent with family. He was a current member of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra Chorus. In the 1950’s he was the vocalist for Johnny Moore and his Orchestra. Throughout his life he sang at many public events, most notably his wedding to Donna, his daughters’ weddings, and recently his granddaughter Lauren’s wedding. He was a lifelong Cubs fan.



Services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Rev. Larry Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow in Boskydell Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.



Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.



To leave a story or memory of Gene, visit www.meredithfh.com