Gene C. Worthington

Gene Clifford Worthington, 83 of Killeen, Texas passed away on September 18, 2016 in Harker Heights, TX surrounded by his loving family. A graveside service will be held at 9:00am on Monday, September 26, 2016 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.

On the 23rd day of August in 1933 Clayford and Rose Worthington introduced Gene Clifford Worthington into the world. For the next 17 he enjoyed traveling various parts of the mid west between the great city of DesMoines to the simple town of Richmond MO where on the 27th day of November 1950 he obligated himself to defend his country by joining the Armed Forces of the United States and later reenlisting into the United States Air Force.

During his military career Gene served in the Law Enforcement specialties and proved himself to be one of the best Air Police trainers of his time. Under the leadership of Sgt Worthington the security and law enforcement section of the 7513th Combat Support Squadron held the honors of being the only such unit in all of the USAFE to obtain 100 percent qualifications on the Skills and Knowledge tests. This is just one example of how Gene’s hard work and dedication to everything he did received the utmost results.

Another one of Genes many accomplishments include being a Master Mason and working his way up to becoming a Alzafar Shriner in which his limitless contributions toward helping children in need far exceeded any expectations. During his tenure with the order he held many positions to include the President of the Country Band, Oriental Band, Past Marshall of the Provost Guard and many other positions that he held with great honor.

Throughout Gene’s life he enjoyed all aspects but most of all he enjoyed hunting, fishing, entertaining an audience with his music, playing his guitar, his guns and shooting, being a great fan of the notorious outlaw Jesse James, working with wood, and sharing his stories with such compassion. Even at the age of 83, Gene never fell short of his shooting skills while without fail hitting the bulls eye time and time again.

On the 26th day of September 2016 we lay Gene to rest. As half of Genes ashes will be placed in the Memorial Wall of the Central Texas States Veterans Cemetery, his remaining ashes will be carried home by his family to be spread among his Grandfather, Father and Uncle at the Rose Cemetery in Unionville Missouri.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Valerie May Hempstead of Bury St Edmunds England and his three children, Lynda Jean, Tracie Lee (Tony Polite) and Clifford Earl (Louann), 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren all of which loved him dearly. Although we say ‘so long for now’ to Gene his memory will live on in our thoughts and hearts forever.

Arrangements under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Killeen, TX.