Gene Fagner

Everett Eugene Fagner passed away on Thursday, January 27th at the age of 97. He was born at home on September 27, 1924, to Clarence Albert Fagner and Dora Lyons Fagner in Paxton, Illinois.

He had one brother Malvin Fagner, and two sisters, Ethyl (Foster) and Francis (Tuggle) who precede him in death. He married Nina Lou Henderson on February 11, 1945, and they had one child, Beverly Sue born July 5, 1946, they both precede him in death. Gene married Peggy J. Whitford on April 18, 2016 and was happily married until her death on August 12, 2021.

Two of his nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces survive Gene.

Gene was a resident at the Champaign Urbana Rehab Center in Savoy at the time of his passing. Gene had a variety of jobs in his long lifespan. His primary vocation was a welder. Working at the canning factory in Hoopeston in his early career, to Illini Swallow Bus Lines, Central Soya Company in Gibson City, Universal Bleacher Company, C.S. Johnson and Clifford Jacobs in Champaign. He owned Archie Crane Magneto Service also in Champaign. Gene was a security guard at Raco Security Services at Christie Clinic for 15 years. He finally retired at the age of 89.

Gene will always be remembered for his smile and cheerfulness when greeting patients and employees. Gene was a 50-year Lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #733 of Gibson City, and a member of the Scottish Rite at Valley of Danville.

Gene will be buried at Prairie View Cemetery next to his wife Nina and daughter Beverly. A graveside service will be held sometime in the spring.

The family has entrusted Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Champaign, Illinois 710 N Neil St. Champaign, Illinois 61820 to handle funeral arrangements.

Please join Genes family in sharing memories and photos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com