Pastor Loren Eugene "Gene" Southard's Obituary
Pastor Loren Eugene “Gene” Southard, age 86, of Hidalgo, IL and formerly of Casey, IL and Martinsville, IL entered his Heavenly Home at 6:41 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at his daughter’s home. He was born June 26, 1938 in rural Martinsville, IL the son of Raymond Andrew Southard and Goldie Leona (Harris) Southard. In 1956 he married Ruth Ann Remlinger in Toledo, IL; they later remarried on November 29, 2009 in Henderson, KY. Ruth Ann passed away on March 10, 2022 after sharing many wonderful years together.
Survivors include his daughter, Deborah Hagood of Hidalgo, IL; stepchildren, Scott Howe (Debra) of Martinsville, IL; Rebecca Bielser (Chad) of Wewahitchka, FL; Carla Livvix of Montverde, FL and Kalena Meyers of Montverde, FL; ten step grandchildren; eighteen step great grandchildren, several nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, many friends, his faithful schnauzer Grand Puppy Linzee aka “Worm” and his great nephew Daniel Hires who was with him when he passed. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sisters, Mary Maxine Millam, Christine Shanks, Edna Leota Hires and Shirley Prince; brother, Carl Southard and son in law, Fred Hagood.
Gene attended Casey schools and was a Lake Land College graduate. He was an ordained Baptist minister for over 55 years and a retired auditor for the Illinois Secretary of State. Gene was a member of Plum Grove Church and a lifetime member of Casey Masonic Lodge, where he served as Past Master. He enjoyed camping, singing, socializing, spending time with his family and sharing the Gospel.
Visitation will be held 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL. Masonic Rites will be conducted at 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at Markwell Funeral Home with Pastor Zeb Myers and Rev. Larry Mattson officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Street Cemetery, Casey, IL.
Memorial donations may be made to Plum Grove Church c/o L. Carlen, 195 Co Rd 1450 E, Greenup, IL 62428.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home, Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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