Eugene “Gene” Hastings, son of the late William and Alta Mary (Keeney) Hastings, was born Nov. 28, 1929, in Competition,, and passed away peacefully May 4, 2020, at his residence in Mountain Grove, surrounded by his family. He was 90 years, 5 months and 6 days of age. Gene was raised in Competition and went to school there. He served his country with the United States Navy and Army during the Korean War. Gene was a patriotic man who loved God, his family and his country. On March 29, 1959, Gene was united in marriage to Betty Marie Evans at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Mountain Grove. Three children were born to this union. Gene was a proud teamster and retired from Mid-Am after over 40 years of service. He also served as a councilman for the city of Mountain Grove for several years. He was a family man and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene was saved and baptized. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Mountain Grove, where he served as the building and groundskeeper as long as his health permitted. He enjoyed woodworking, attending sales auctions, collecting election memorabilia and he was a devout Republican.
Besides his parents, Gene was preceded in death by an infant son, William Eugene Hastings; a grandson, Ryan Lakey,;four brothers; and four sisters. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty, of the home in Mountain Grove; two daughters, Bonnie Dill and husband, Dennis, of Strafford, and Judy Condray and husband, John, of Mountain Grove; three grandchildren, Jordyn Condray-Lakey, Trenton Palmer and wife, Danielle, and Brandon Palmer; eight great-grandchildren, Hudson, Grayson, Willow, Wyatt, Waylon, Kaylee, Shawn and Hunter; two special children, Owen and Stella; numerous nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends who will miss him very much. Graveside services for Eugene “Gene” Hastings was held Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Lone Star Cemetery with Pastor Wayne Cannon officiating. Song selection was “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” John Condray, Dennis Dill, Brandon Palmer, Trenton Palmer, Jordyn Condray-Lakey and Tim Sparks served as pallbearers. Owen Sparks served as honorary pallbearer. Burial with full military honors by the United Sates Navy and American Legion Post No. 30 was in Lone Star Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Wright County Children’s Home in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
