Eugene McCullough, a beloved and cherished individual, passed away on December 6, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Isabella, Missouri, on September 19, 1933, to Rev. Charles Monroe McCullough and Cordelia Coulter, Eugene was the eighth of eleven children. He graduated from Gainesville High School in 1952 and pursued studies in agriculture at SMS in Springfield, Missouri.
Eugene joined the Marines in 1953 and served for two years, including 14 months in Korea. After returning to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, he was honorably discharged. He worked various jobs before securing a position at GM Leeds Chevrolet in Kansas City, Missouri. In April 1956, he joined Delco Battery plant as their 25th hired employee and remained there until his retirement in 1993.
On December 14, 1956, Eugene married Iva Mae Batson, and together they shared 66 years of marriage. They were blessed with five children, twelve grandchildren, and thirty-one great-grandchildren. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Iva Mae, four brothers (George, Perry, Alva, and Donald), five sisters (Lucille, Susie, Vera, Eugie, and Peggy), son-in-law Rob Sewell, two grandsons Nathan and Devin, and a great-grandson Tanner. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Brenda and Lynn Adkins, Phillip and Joyce McCullough, Theresa and Rick Broadway, Twila Sewell, and Mark and Carol McCullough. His grandchildren include Sarah, Ben, David, Corey, Perry, Cara, Laura, Bryan, Hannah, Joshua, and Julie, and his great-grandchildren Tim, Miriam, Gage, Knox, J.R., Jude, Issac, Sienna, Rylee, Allica, Jax, Alrik, Gareth, Mason, Viggo, Miles, Kellan, Weston, Cameron, Myra, Caleb, Cade, Carson, Caia, Chase, Carter, Jack, Dani, Aaron, Willow, and Christopher, his sister Joan Stillinger, along with numerous extended family members.
Eugene was a man of faith and community, actively involved as a Boy Scout leader, church teacher, church camp participant, and church deacon. He loved God, life, family, and country, and was known for his inspirational and humorous nature. He was a compassionate, hard-working, honest, and loyal individual who was loved by all and wanted everyone to know Jesus. His personal interests included church activities, spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, enjoying time with family and friends ( especially life long friends Bob and Irene Upton) and traveling.
The family extends their gratitude to the caregivers from Visiting Angels and Faith Home Hospice, as well as all the church family for their support and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations of new Lego kits or contributions to the "Fill The Turtle Tank" Lego drive through the Teaming Up For Tanner Foundation, Inc., in support of children with cancer at Children's Mercy Hospital. www.TeamingUpForTanner.org/Lego-drive
Eugene often shared his wisdom through sayings such as, "You have to know Jesus if you want to go to heaven," and "Laugh a lot because life is short." His kind-hearted, wise, and thoughtful legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.
