Eugene Gene Redfern

Gene was born on August 26, 1956. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy Najim Redfern (the love of his life) whom he married August 20, 1995 in Malibu, CA; sisters, Laurie Najim of Los Angeles, CA and Cynthia Najim of Questa, NM; uncle, Edward (Cheri) Najim of Scottsdale, AZ; aunts, Vivian Najim and Shirley (Clarence "Pudge," deceased) Fenstermaker, both of Springfield; and cousins, Cindy DeHart, Debbie Davis, and many others.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Eugene Redfern; father-in-law, George A. Najim; and mother-in-law, Norma L. Najim, who treated him as her very own son. Norma led the way for Gene. He was also preceded by his Uncle Bill, Aunt Rosalie, and special Aunt Jean (Najim).

Gene cherished the outdoors - enjoying bicycle riding, gardening, hiking, walking, shooting hoops, hanging out at the beach, reading, laughing, music, singing, gaining new insights and especially giving of himself to his new-found family.

To know Gene was to love him, if just for his huge smile, contagious laugh, and sparkling baby blue eyes!

Gene worked for Underfanger Mayflower and then Union Pacific Railroad. He was a member of Laurel United Methodist Church.

Graveside Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Rev. Tim Haworth officiating.

To honor Genes longtime struggle, memorial contributions may be made to SIU Alzheimers Center Research Program (please specify SIU Foundation or the Music & Memory Program) P.O. Box 19643, Springfield, IL 62794-9643; HSHS St. Johns Foundation Guardian Angel (please specify Home Hospice Team or the Behavioral Health Unit St. Johns 10th Floor), 800 East Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769.

Genes favorite sayings: "Lord Help Me to Help Others" and "Miracles Happen When We Believe."