Ares Gene Strong, age 85, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 16, 2024, at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. He was a kind and loving husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, grandpa, uncle, great uncle, and friend.
Born August 9, 1938, in Calhoun, Missouri, Gene was the son of Zenos Glenn and Emma Frances (Leabo) Strong. He grew up working on a farm as one of nine siblings and graduated from Calhoun High School in 1955. Drafted into the United States Army in 1961, he earned the rank of E-4 Specialist and served two years, mostly in Germany as a Nike-Hercules missile unit crew member.
After returning from service, Gene married the love of his life, Linda Pauline Boxley, on February 23, 1964. They worked together at Clearfield Cheese Company before moving with their eldest son, Kevin Lynn, to Columbia where Gene began his career as an auto mechanic. He went on to earn the
certification of Mazda Master Technician and retired from the field in 1998. In retirement, Gene enjoyed spending time with family, his beloved dogs Dwight and Abby, feeding the birds and squirrels, gardening, woodworking, and tinkering around the garage.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Robert Glenn Strong (Diane); brother Zenos Wesley Strong (Lil); brother Ray Don Strong; mother-in-law and father-in-law Joseph Orville and Dora Frances (Gillespie) Boxley; and brothers-in-law, Robert Wendel Walker and Billy Boxley.
Surviving Gene are: his loving wife of 60 years, Linda; son Kevin Lynn Strong; son Brian Keith Strong
(Josey) and their children Isaac Ares James and Grace Emma Marin; daughter Amber Diane Strong Helwig (Derek) and their children Ryker Josef and Hendrick Hayes; sisters Bety Ruth Walker, Glenna Hellyn Henry (Jerry), Emma Eileen Albin (Bill), Jane Ellen Edwards (Joe), and Joy Lea Abney (Johnny); sister-in-law Sheila Irene (Higgins) Strong, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Gene was a survivor. From being born on a dirt road to surviving two major heart atacks to receiving a heart transplant on October 5, 1999, he beat the odds time and again. To the family of the 15-year-old girl whose heart extended his life 25 years, his family will forever be grateful.
A memorial service (11 am-12 pm) followed by a celebration of life reception (12-3 pm) will take place May 25, 2024, at Shryocks Callaway Farms, 2927 County Road 253, Columbia, MO 65202.
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Midwest Transplant Network or Columbia Second Chance and register to be an organ and tissue donor.
Mail monetary donations to:
Midwest Transplant Network 1900 W. 47th Place, Suite 400 Westwood, KS 66205
Or
Second Chance PO Box 10186, Columbia, MO 65205
Ceremony of Remembrance
Music: “Remember When” – Alan Jackson
“Amazing Grace” – Carrie Underwood
“When I Get Where I’m Going” – Brad Paisley
“Deeper Than the Holler” – Randy Travis
A memorial service (11 am-12 pm) followed by a reception (12-3 pm) will take place May 25, 2024, at Shryocks Callaway Farms, 2927 County Road 253, Columbia, MO 65202.
