Eugene “Gene” Bratcher, 85, of Monmouth, passed away at 8:13 pm on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, at his home.
Gene was born on September 29, 1938 in Bee Spring, Kentucky, the son of John B. and Vila (Elmore) Bratcher. From the age of three Gene was raised in Cameron by his aunt and uncle Plas and Sarah Meridth. He attended Monmouth High School.
Gene served with the Illinois National Guard was a Private First Class for 6 years.
Gene married Helen Kay Long-Short on June 5, 1959, in Monmouth at the Immanuel Baptist Church and she survives.
Gene began his career on the railroad with CB & Q and later the Burlington Northern Railroad as the Superintendent of Maintenance before retiring after 36 years. Following his retirement Gene was in charge of maintenance at Midwest Bank of Western Illinois for 21 years.
He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and the Monmouth VFW. He enjoyed fishing, family time, woodworking, carpentry and was a very good mechanic. He was a Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, along with loving Elvis. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, and having the time and ability to teach them many different life skills.
Gene is survived by his wife of 64 years Helen K. Bratcher; his children, Lori (Rod) Fox of Stronghurst, Michael (Cheryl) Bratcher of Azle, Texas, Kimberly (Wayne) McLaughlin of Monmouth, Joyce (Todd) Line of Seaton, and Joseph (Renee) Bratcher of Monmouth; 16 grandchildren, Heidi, Blake, Brittany, Sonna, Tracey, Bridget, Jamie, Zachary, Darrick, Nick, Austin, Dalton, Payton, Logan, Lindsay and Lauren; 18 great grandchildren; his “adopted” daughter, Stephanie Burris and granddaughter, Zoei Burris; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sara & Plas Meridth; his sons, Douglas Bratcher and Daniel Bratcher; 4 grandchildren, Trisha Bratcher, Melissa Laffoon, Bradley Bratcher and Eric Pearce; 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 am, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26 at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Gene Bratcher Memorial Fund which will be determined later and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
