On December 10, 1962, Gene married the love of his life, Joann Rouch. Gene joined the Army in February 1965 where he obtained his high school diploma. During his time in the Army, Gene worked as a tractor scraper operator, an avionics repairman, and an electrical machinist. During his service he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
After serving in the Army, Gene worked with his father as a heavy equipment operator. He later received a position working for the Local Union 520 as a heavy equipment operator.
When his children were young, he was a coach for Camelot Knights, the Yankees and other teams. He was also a member of the Collinsville Soccer Association. Gene had a passion for fishing and soccer. He loved going camping with his wife, riding his speedboat and spending time with family and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Nina; daughter, Sherri Combs; sisters, Yvonne Seymore and Pam Surdyke; brothers, Donald Wayne Self and Glen Ray Self.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Joann Self; son Russell Self; granddaughter, Danielle Combs; great grandson, Carter Ramsey; sisters Joyce (Doug) James, Brenda Jewel Stamps, Judy (Gene) Lemming, Lorie (Kurt) Hook; brother Ron (Vicki) Self.
A visitation for Gene will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. A visitation will also occur Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at the funeral home. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, following the visitation. A committal service will occur Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM at Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 5000 N Illinois St, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
