Gene Paul Fehr

Gene P. Fehr, 85, of Peoria and formerly of Metamora passed away at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2017 at Independence Village in Peoria. He was born on October 11, 1931 in Lowpoint to George and Gail (DeBolt) Fehr. He married Dorothy Budrid on September 10, 1954 in Minonk. She passed away on March 5, 1997.

Surviving are his daughter Michele "Shelly" Lehman (H Wayne Wilson) of Peoria; son Derek (Bekka) Fehr of Metamora; three grandsons Jeffrey (Marie) Lehman and Douglas (Heather) Lehman both of Eureka, and Gregory (Sara) Lehman of Peoria; two step-grandchildren Amanda (Jamie) Horton of Eureka and Chuck (Laura) Villmer of Cadet, MO; eight great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant children Gina Marie and Gregory, two brothers Clifford and Millard, and two sisters Virginia Hockenbury and Eleanor Jauch.

Gene was a 1949 graduate of Metamora High School, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, football, and track. He was awarded a scholarship to Bradley University to run track. He participated in the Senior Olympics into his 70s.

Gene was a U.S. Army Veteran serving from 1952 through 1954, including in the 8th Army Headquarters in Korea. He was employed as an insurance claims manager for 37 years for several companies, retiring in 1993.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka with Rev. Richard Simmons officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 North Oak Park Avenue, Chicago 60707. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.