Clarence Eugene ("Gene") Taft, age 82, of Ozark, MO passed away on Saturday morning February 22, 2025 at his home. He was the son of Clarence Wilbur and Ethel Frances (nee McGinnis) Taft born in Ranger, TX on July 29, 1942. At the time of his birth, his father was serving in the US Army during WWII. Following discharge, the family moved frequently to other states with his father's transfers with Tenneco Oil.

Gene was in the US Army, 1960-1961 serving in post-war Korea. Locally he worked at Reyco Manufacturing, Trux Tractor & Tractor Repair, and Schweitzer United Methodist Church until his final retirement in 2010. He was a member of Schweitzer United Methodist Church from 1974-2021. Gene joined Campbell UMC on June 4, 2023. He was a member of Masterminds of Biz and Next-Level Networking.

Gene was very active at Schweitzer UMC and other volunteer activities, such as Thomasville, MO volunteer Fire Department, Greene County Civil Defense, Cedarbrook, Battlefield, and Nixa Fire Departments. In 1986 Gene was awarded the first Fireman of the Year in Battlefield.

Despite many physical disabilities, Gene was active in various local and national ministries: Muscular Dystrophy, Festival of Sharing, United Methodist Youth Fellowship counselor with mission trips, American Red Cross, Jaycee Haunted Houses, MO Annual Conference Mission projects, and Toys for Tots.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Zachariah Hancock and other extended relatives. Gene is survived by Mary, his wife of 50 years, and three daughters: Patty Rye of South Houston, TX; Kori Little (Greg) of Springfield, MO; and Cheri Kowalski of Portland, OR. He is survived by seven grandchildren: Alex Hancock (South Houston, TX), Steven Henry (Springfield, MO), Kristin Henry (James Stauffer) of Republic, MO, Amanda Oden, Justin Oden, Riely Kowalski, and Sarai Kowalski (all of Portland, OR), and four great grandchildren: Gavin Hancock (Ponchatoula, LA), Xander and Axel Stauffer (Republic, MO), and Naomi Oden (Portland, OR). He is also survived by sister-in-law Martha Johnson (Dutch) of Orlando, FL.

Funeral service will be at 11 AM, March 4, at Campbell United Methodist Church, 1747 E. Republic Road, with Rev. Kevin Shelton officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will be at 1 PM in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood, Springfield, MO. Visitation is scheduled from 6-8 PM on Monday, March 3 at the funeral home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Council of Churches of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 3947, Springfield, MO 65808.
https://ccozarks.org/donate/