Kenneth E. “Gene” McMeins, 92, of Fort Madison, Iowa, formerly of Nauvoo, Illinois, passed away at 8:16 a.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.
He was born on May 19, 1932, in Macomb, Illinois, the fifth child of Roy and Nellie (Baker) McMeins.
In 1937, his family moved to Nauvoo and he attended the Nauvoo Grade School until the third grade, he then attended the Ogden School and graduated from Nauvoo High School.
After graduation, he worked for Gasaway Garage until 1952, when he was called to serve in the United States Army in Korea during the Korean War. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Nauvoo and worked at several jobs including: Gasaway Garage, Nauvoo Blue Cheese Factory, Starr’s Garage, Nauvoo High School as custodian and nine years as bus driver and custodian at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gene served on the Nauvoo Fire Department for forty years, he was the longest serving member. He also was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being the first male convert from Nauvoo since 1846. He loved woodworking and restoring old antique furniture.
Survivors include his brother: Glenn (Silvia) McMeins of Fort Madison, Iowa; two sisters: Marie (Gene) Holtkamp of Montrose, Iowa and Mary (Rick) Rea of Niota, Illinois. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and special friends: Evelyn Hale of Nauvoo, Illinois, Jason Lamporte of Carthage, Illinois, Matt and Karen Nelson of Bountiful, Utah.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers: Keith, Lyle, Lee, Bill and Donnie and four sisters: Juanita, Shirley, Helen and Patricia.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 3, 2025 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 3, 2025 at the funeral home with Bishop Blacker officiating. Burial with full Military Rites will follow at the Keokuk National Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established in his memory. Schmitz - Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Nauvoo is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.sbbfuneral
home.com.
