Gene is survived by his sister, Sharon Couden, niece Andrea Roberts, and great nephew Logan Roberts.
After schooling in Crystal Lake, Illinois, he enlisted in the army for 3 years. He then attended art school in Chicago and New York City.
Gene was employed as a graphic art designer and later retired from McDonald's. He resided in New Mexico for 19 years before his battle with cancer relocated him to Peoria, Illinois, to be closer to family.
He was very artistic and enjoyed reading and listening to music.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
