Gene A. Meyers

Gene Autry Meyers, 83, of Colona, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, at MercyOne Illini Campus in Silvis.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Green Rock First Southern Baptist Church, Colona, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at Schroder Mortuary in Colona. Burial, with military honors, will take place at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Green Rock First Southern Baptist Church or Wounded Veterans of America.

Gene was born on November 1, 1942, in Forkridge, Tennessee, to Clarence and Mossie Good Meyers. He married the love of his life, Vivvia Simmons, on March 15, 1970, in Green Rock, Illinois, beginning a marriage built on faith, love, and unwavering devotion.

Gene proudly served his country after being drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. Following his military service, he worked at John Deere Foundry until retiring in 1992 at the young age of 50. Retirement wasn’t the end of his work—it was the beginning of a new calling. He devoted himself to full-time ministry, faithfully serving others until 2007 and sharing the hope and love of Christ wherever he went. He also served as the chaplain for the Colona Fire Department for several years. 

To know Gene was to know that he never met a stranger. Whether you had known him for years or had just met him, he had a way of making you feel like an old friend. He was blessed with the “gift of gab” and was a master storyteller. His stories could draw you in so completely that you felt as though you were living every moment alongside him. His quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and larger-than-life personality brought laughter to countless family gatherings, church events, and conversations around the table. Everyone at one point has been serenaded by Gene by song or his beautiful whistling.

Gene was also known for offering advice—whether you asked for it or not. He never sugarcoated the truth, believing honesty was one of the greatest expressions of love. While his words could be direct, they always came from a heart that cared deeply about the people around him. If you were lucky, he would pin you with a nickname that would last a lifetime. If you don't believe it, just ask his daughter, Boomerang and her friend, E.T.

Family was one of Gene’s greatest joys. He loved attending family picnics and reunions, where his stories, laughter, and presence became treasured parts of every gathering. His faith, generosity, and ability to connect with people left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

In his younger years, Gene enjoyed hunting with his beloved coonhounds, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Though Gene’s earthly journey has ended, the stories he told, the wisdom he shared, the laughter he inspired, and the faith he lived by will continue to echo in the hearts of those who loved him. His legacy is one of service, steadfast faith, unconditional love, and a life that truly made a difference.

Gene is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Vivvia; his daughter, Tiffany Meyers; his grandson, PawPaw’s best bud, Dain Moens; his cherished “Papa Gene” grandchildren, Nicholas Wilson and Kelsey Thompson; his sister, Minnie Thomas; his beloved fur friend, Buddy; honorary grandchildren, Atticus Moens and Ruthlynn Moens, and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his love and friendship.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Regina; Papa Gene’s girl, Brittany Wilson; his siblings, L.C. Meyers, Ella May Meyers, Elmer Ray Meyers, Junior Meyers, James “Red” Meyers, Betty Collins, and Billie Meyers; and his foster brother, Dean McNew.