Orville "Gene" Eugene Oliver

Orville “Gene” Eugene Oliver, age 84, of Bland passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020 at his residence.

Orville was born on November 7, 1935, in Schuyler County, Missouri, a son to the late Norman and Elsie (Collins) Oliver.

He was a 1953 graduate of Queen City High School. Following High School, Gene enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict.

He was a member of the Downing Christian Church and was employed as an Heavy Equipment Mechanic for Howard Construction in Sedalia. Gene was Caterpillar certified and very intelligent. He could fix anything mechanical and operated his own small engine shop out of his home. Gene also worked at American Wood Fibers out of Kentucky.

On September 4, 2004 he was united in marriage to Wilma Blessing in Rocheport, Mo in the tunnel on the Katy Trail. Wilma survives of the home in Bland.

Gene’s hobbies included cutting timber, fishing and bird hunting when he was younger. He loved going to the casino’s and dancing. His greatest love, however, was spending time with his family. Gene will be missed by all those that knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife Wilma, Gene is survived by: two sons, Brad Oliver of Downing and Bill Collis and his wife Christine of Minden, IA; five grandchildren, Jeremy Vandegriffe and wife Tiffany, Shea Collis, Nicholas Walter, Alexandria Gallant, and Hilaree Walter; eight great-grandchildren, Gage Vandegriffe, Aspen Vandegriffe, Dylan Walter, Tyler Walter, Lyla Gallant, Lydia Gallant, Natalie Walter, and Lillian Walter; seven siblings, Jack Oliver and his wife Maudie of Downing, James Oliver and his wife Lynn of Kirksville, Gerald Oliver and his wife Cheryl of Worthington, Rob Oliver and his wife Glenda of Queen City, Patty Sparks and her husband Mike of Queen City, Joyce Abdenhalden of Sullivan, Il, and Linda Baker of Queen City as well as many brother’s and sister’s -in laws, extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Oliver and two sisters, Mary White and Anne Dufur.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Downing Christian Church.

Private family services are planned at a later time.