Harold Eugene Klocke

He devoted his career to the engineering and manufacturing of air compressors, working at Quincy Compressor and Champion Pneumatic Machinery Company in Princeton, IL. Gene passed his love and talent for mechanical engineering to his son and eldest granddaughter, both of whom became mechanical engineers. Additionally, Gene and his wife produced strong upstanding citizens serving as nurses, teachers, supervisors, lawyers and various specialty technicians. In retirement, Gene and his best friend Lloyd spent countless hours volunteering their time and skills on home improvement and renovation projects throughout Montgomery, often offering their services free of charge to those in need.

A lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, Gene's faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior was steadfast. He served the church in many roles over the years, beginning as an acolyte in his youth and eventually becoming a leader on the church’s Executive Council. He successfully passed his faith on to the rest of his family. The family leaned on their faith for three family members who are cancer survivors.

Gene cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gene married Phyllis in 1959, and they were married for 66 years. His grandchildren affectionately called him Paw Paw, Grandpa and 'Mr. Plum,' a nod to his favorite phrase to describe the pleasures of life: that was “plum good!” Family gatherings—especially during the holidays—were frequent, lively, and filled with constant refrain “God bless us everyone.” The joyful chaos of these reunions was something he deeply loved.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis June Klocke; his children, Jeffrey Todd Klocke (Kim), Jill Anne Hooks (Randy), and Jane Elizabeth Bates (Jonathan); eight grandchildren—Jefferson Klocke (Jennifer), Jordan Denson (Brandon), Randi Taylor Hooks, Ty Hooks, Millianne Hooks, Duncan Bates, Colton Bates, and Mattie Lucy Bates—and four great-grandchildren: Avery Denson, Parker Denson, Perrie Klocke, and Finneas Klocke, who will carry on the Klocke name.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Whippoorwill Venue in Mathews, AL on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 12:30 pm.