Gary (Gene) Winfree

Gary (Gene) Winfree, 78, Udall, Missouri, passed away June 18, 2023, at his home.

He was born February 22, 1945, in Udall, the son of Claude W. and Fern A. (Carter) Winfree. On August 7, 1965, he was married to Shirley Elaine (Skinner).  Gene graduated from Rock Island High School, Rock Island, Illinois with the Class of 1963. He was a hard-working man and spent most of his life working in supervisory positions in manufacturing, where he earned the respect of those working with him.  As a young man, he liked shiny, fast cars and was specifically proud of his 1958 Chevrolet Impala. This love of cars continued throughout his life, where he proudly owned many cars, of which many were the color red… and shiny. Gene will be remembered for his sense of humor, and his ability to make those around him smile.  He enjoyed building cherished treasures out of wood, that had exceptional details. This love of woodworking began in high school with the creation of an award-winning lamp. Among the many things he created throughout the years were variegated cutting boards, jewelry boxes, laundry hampers, cedar chests and walnut handgun grips.  Gene was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting. One goal that remained unmet was his dream to go wild hog hunting in Oklahoma. He enjoyed fishing with his father as a child and this love of fishing continued throughout his lifetime, with him having the most joy being the captain of his boat while trolling for striped bass in Norfork Lake.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Betty, brother, Jerry, nephew, Cody, and beloved dog, Jackie.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Shirley, are his daughter, Sherry Taylor and her husband, Wayne, Willard, Missouri, brother, Jim Winfree and his wife, Sandra, Udall, Missouri, granddaughter, Amber Sholes, Blue Springs, Missouri, great grandchildren, Braeden and Lily Sholes, Blue Springs, Missourui, brother-in-law, George Skinner, Muscatine, Iowa, sister-in-law, Debra Streger and her husband Ron, Muscatine, Iowa, nephew and nieces: C.W. Terpenning and his wife Linzi, Nathan Skinner, Stacey Neeld and husband Terry, Laura Hannaford and husband Matt, Anna Watlington and husband Tim, Crystal Winfree, James Winfree, Jarred Fienhold, and many great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those who wish to remember Gene in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/donate/memorial-giving.html or and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.