Gene L. Evinger, age 88 of Paris, Illinois, passed away at 4:22 p.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Horizon Health Hospital in Paris.

Born August 28, 1931 in Paris, Illinois, he was the son of the late John R. and Irene (Lawson) Evinger. He married Donna J. (Hale) Evinger August 27, 1954 in Paris, Illinois and she survives.  Other survivors include two children, Pam Anderson and her husband David of Paris, Illinois and Brian Evinger and his wife Amy of Paris, Illinois, five grandchildren; Kimberly Anderson, Courtney Montgomery and her husband Charles, Brian N. Evinger, Shelby Sweitzer and her husband Matt, and Gregory Evinger, and five great grandchildren; Ryan Perry, Lillian and Hunter Montgomery, Parker Sanders, and Isabel Evinger.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Betty (Evinger) Huffman.

Mr. Evinger was a graduate of Paris High School and was a Sergeant and Heavy Equipment Operator in the Combat Engineers Division in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was a member of Vermilion United Methodist Church, was a farmer, and worked for the State of Illinois as an engineer in the Secretary of State's Office.  His past work experience included the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier, he was half owner  of Ag Oil Company in Paris, Illinois, Owner-operator of Evinger Seed Cleaning Company in Vermilion, Illinois, and was Manager of Paris Marathon Service Station in Paris.  His political experience included being President of Community School District 4 School Board for 17 years, he was a National Delegate to the 1976 Republican Convention, a member of the Agricultural Advisory Committee for U.S. Senator Charles Percy,  Stratton Township Auditor, Republican Party Chairman of Edgar County, and Republican Precinct Committeeman.  His memberships included; member and Past President of the Edgar County Shrine Club, Shriner's Hospital Unit, Royal Order of Jesters, Stratton Masonic Lodge # 408 AF & AM, Danville Consistory, Palestine Chapter and Commandary, American Legion Post 211, and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399.

Following cremation, Masonic Services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home . Memorial visitation will follow from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital. For further information and online condolences, please visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com .