Gene Draffen

William Eugene “Gene” Draffen, 88, of Tipton, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 at his home.

He was born on February 29, 1932 in Speed, Missouri, a son of Wade and Irene (Barron) Draffen.  On May 17, 1953 in California, MO he married Joyce Ann Williams.

Gene honorably served in the US Navy Air Corps during the Korean Conflict.  He attended the First Baptist Church in Tipton and was a member of the Tipton American Legion Edgar Cole Post 304. Early on Gene played softball and worked as a car mechanic on the side.  He retired from Union Electric as a Construction Supervisor in 1991 and would spend his time golfing, fishing, bird hunting or going to car races.  He liked anything car, truck or engine - related.

Survivors include his wife Joyce of 67 years; two daughters, Reneé Miller (Lyle) of Westwood Hills, KS, LaVena Hutchison (Dick) of Sedalia, MO; five grandchildren, Sean Miller (Rachel), Danielle Knoche (Stephen), Seth Hutchison, Cole Hutchison (Sadie), and Chance Hutchison (Kolby); 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Fern Cary Bricka of Versailles, MO.

In addition to both of his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ward Draffen, Walter Wade “Buck” Draffen, and one infant sister.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 23, 2021, at the Hickman Cemetery in Clarksburg.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pisgah Cemetery or the Tipton American Legion Edgar Cole Post 304 and may be left in the care of the funeral home.