Namond Eugene (Gene) High was born March 7, 1956 to Louise and Kelley High in Rosebud , Texas.

Gene is preceded in death by his father; Kelley High, brother; Willy High, maternal grandparents; Cooley and Mertel (Big Mama) Jackson and his uncles; Clifton Jackson and Cooley Jackson, Jr.     Gene departed this life Wednesday, November 30, 2016.

As a child, Gene loved sports, especially football.   Gene graduated from Central High School in Springfield, MO. and played football all four years.

After he graduated in 1974, he went into the U.S. Navy, where he served from 1974 to 1980. He was an active member of The American Legion – Sons of the American Legion Post 900. Gene loved all sports, he was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs. He worked at GE, Zenith and Olive Garden before he became disabled.

Gene loved life and nothing pleased him more than spending time with his family and friends. He was the kind of person who would go out of his way to help everybody.

He leaves to mourn his passing; his mother, Louise Goodwin of Springfield, MO. His brothers; Mark High (Renee) of Springfield, MO. Scott Oliver (Sharice) of Kansas City, MO. and Richard High of Marshall, TX. His children; Kim Sparks of Joplin, MO., LaToya Riwa (Albert), LaDawna Pitts (James), Dameisha Johnson and Brandon Johnson all of Springfield,MO. His aunts; Bernice Pike, Gwen Linton of Springfield, MO., Helen Wortham and Annie May Townsend of El Paso, TX. His uncles; Fred Jackson, of Springfield, MO. and Eddie Jackson of Lott, TX. His stepmother, Ruby High and stepbrother, Kelley High, Jr. of Marshall, TX. Seven grandchildren; Terrell Crawford, Alonzo, Austin and Alijah Riwa, Xavier and Gabrielle Pitts, Amari Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.