Eugene “Gene” LeRoy Puckett of Hermiston passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Nov. 12, 2021 at the age of 79.
Gene was born on March 25, 1942 in McMinnville to Vernon and Lois Shively Puckett.
He spent his years growing up in several small towns around the state of Oregon and graduated from Scappoose High School. Gene worked many years as a diesel mechanic at Willamette Industries in Dallas. He also did freelance mechanic work and enjoyed helping anyone with a project.
Everyone who knew him knew that he loved each of his six children; he bragged about his grandchildren as well. He loved to tell stories, talk about the good ole’ days, and liked to make people laugh as much as he liked to make them think. Most of all he wanted to pass along sensible values to help people become their best.
Gene will remain fondly in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Terri, her husband Greg Taylor, her children, Jordan and Zachary, her grandson, Lawrence. Patti Senger, her children, Mitchell and Kaitlyn. Eddie Puckett, his wife Barbara and his children, Michael, Evan, Ethan, and Emily. Suzie, her husband Sam Collins, her children, Ellie and Jake. Angela Puckett, her fiancé Cody Bass, her children, Warren, Madalyn, and Evalyn. Corina, her husband Gary Brown, her children, Mckenzie, Jackson, Elizabeth, and Clare. He is survived by his four brothers, Vernon (Lucky), Jim, Wilbur (Smokie) and Lorri; and sister, Fairy Teal.
He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Edward; mother, Elona Lois Shively; his sister, Jennie Pugh; and his brothers, Arrol and Jerry.
A private burial service was held on Dec. 3, 2021 at the Dallas Cemetery.
A celebration of life service will be held on what would be Gene’s 80th birthday in McMinnville, the town where he was born. Celebration of Life, Eugene LeRoy Puckett, March 25, 2022, 2-4 p.m., 1700 S.W. Old Sheridan Road, McMinnville
