Paul Eugene "Gene" Blood, age 80, of Ina, was called to be with the Lord at 9:18 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2008.

Gene was born July 29, 1928, in Hamilton County, the fifth child of Daniel Webster Blood and Gracie Caroline Sullivan.

He married Betty Jo Watts on June 12, 1948, in Piggott, Ark. She preceded him in death on April 19, 1988.

He then married Mary Evelyn (Hester) Payne on July 11, 1990. She survives.

Besides his parents and first wife, Betty Jo, Gene was also preceded in death by three sisters, Ethel Nihells, infant Velma Blood and Ruth Ella Conner; and two brothers, Carl Blood and Earl "Curley" Blood.

In addition to his wife, Mary, Gene is survived by his three children, Karen Shaw and husband Jere of Mt. Vernon, Randy Blood and wife Vivian of Ina and Debbie Blood of Ina; two granddaughters, Stephanie (Scheppel) Harness of Mt. Vernon and Jeannie (Blood) Suedmeyer of Ewing; and two great-grandsons, Jayton Harness of Mt. Vernon and Dawson Suedmeyer of Ewing. Gene is also survived by his four stepchildren, Sock Payne and wife Millie of Ooltewah, Tenn., Linda McMaster of Sparta, Jeff Payne of Ewing and Anne Fullerton and husband Mike of Coulterville; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one brother, David Blood of Ina; one sister, Neva Broson of Mattoon; and by several brothers and sisters-in-laws, many nieces and nephews and many special friends.

Gene was a retired carpenter and an active member and elder of Elk Prairie Christian Church where he was the song leader. He enjoyed music and was a talented singer. In his youth he sang in a band of local musicians who called themselves The Big Muddy Boys, and they entertained at various benefits and local gatherings. Gene was a member of the Mt. Vernon Masonic Lodge 31 AF & AM.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina with Brothers David Shores, Dale Burzynski and J. Howard Kraps officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery in Ina.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. Masonic rites will be conducted at 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: September 29, 2008
Submitted by: Jerry Lee Williams