Gene Alford, 77, of Bloomsdale died July 5, 2015, at St. Anthony’s Medical Center in south St. Louis County. Mr. Alford was an entrepreneur who owned several businesses in Jefferson County. He was a member of Second Baptist Church in Festus for 46 years and was a 32nd degree Master Mason. He was a benefactor of Living Springs Camp, volunteering there for many years and providing financial assistance to the camp and the campers who attend. Born March 24, 1938, near Poplar Bluff, he was the son of the late Milburn and Millie Alford. He is survived by his wife of 57 years: Wanda Alford; He is also survived by one sister: Mary Alford of Poplar Bluff; four children: Rick (Kari) Alford of Bloomsdale, Patty (Rodney Kyle) Guay of Festus, Jerry (Julie) Alford of Festus and adopted daughter Becky (George) Missey of Bonne Terre; nine grandchildren: Justin Alford, Samantha Alford, Ereca Alford, Cody Guay, Dylan Guay, Brian Boyet, Jesse Hernandez, Tiler Missey and Remi Missey; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four brothers: James, Earl, Junior and Walter Alford.
Visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m. and a funeral service for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 9, at Second Baptist Church, 723 Horine Road, in Festus. Graveside services will begin at 3 p.m. at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Living Springs Camp. Arrangements are under the direction of Cottrell Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff.