Robert Gene McClerren

Robert Gene McClerren age 78, of Thompsonville, went to be with the Lord at 2:08 P.M. on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at his residence in Thompsonville surrounded by his family. He was born January 12, 1932 in Thompsonville the sixth child to Herbert and Ethel (Jones) McClerren. He married Myette EllaJean (McCullough) McClerren on January 1, 1953. He is survived by EllaJean his devoted and loving spouse of 57 years, and their three children, Reita Grimes and husband, Sam of New Mexico, Leon McClerren and wife, Cindy( Whom he considered a daughter to him ) of Thompsonville and Russell McClerren and wife, Lisa of Thompsonville. His surviving grandchildren include, Amanda McClerren and husband, Matt Letchworth, Gina Shook and husband, Matthew, Andy McClerren and wife, Lindsey, Stephanie Grimes, Jessica Mclain, Becky McLaren and husband, Keith, Ken Grimes, Alex McClerren, Grace McClerren, Lindsay McLain and Olivia McClerren; great-grandchildren include Levi and Lyra Shook and Keegan McLaren; one sister, Joyce Browning of Benton; two brothers, Bueford McClerren and wife, Juanita of Mt. Vernon, Il. and Rev. Kenneth McClerren and wife, Mildred of Thompsonville and by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers Gene served in the United States Army from January 1953 to December 1954. He was a farmer, a steward of the soil. Gene spent a lifetime serving others as evidenced by his participation on the Thompsonville High School Board of Education, Franklin County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Farm Service Board of Directors, and American Legion. His service to others was driven by his consuming desire to serve the Lord in all that he did. At the time of his death, he was a member of First Baptist Church of West Frankfort. Funeral services will be Monday, March 29, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in West Frankfort with Pastor Mike Cash officiating. Burial will be in the McCann Cemetery in Thompsonville with Military Rites by the American Legion of Thompsonville. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Parker - Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort and after 9 a.m. Monday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the McCann Cemetery Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home and church. For more information or to sign the guest register visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com.