Gene Elliott Bouvet, 84, of Tovey passed away at 7:15a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was born on July 28, 1932, the son of Desire and Minnie (McComb) Bouvet. On April 30, 1949, he married Phyllis Ray in Morganfield, Kentucky. Gene retired from Peabody Coal Mine #10 and 8 after 44 years of service. After retiring, Gene and Phyllis spend many winters in Texas. He was a member of the Midland United Methodist Church. Gene was known as “Garage Sale Junkie”. He always enjoyed checking out sales, visiting with friends, and came home with countless clocks, lawn mowers, vacuums, and other treasures.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years: Phyllis Bouvet; daughters: Christina Pezze (Tony) of Chatham, Phyllis Harter (David) of Tovey, and Joyce Baird of Tovey; sons: Gene Bouvet (Karen) of Jacksonville and Don (Kathy) Bouvet of Stonington; 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters, 3 brothers, and granddaughter: Stacey Groves.

Mr. Bouvet will be cremated and a graveside service will take place at 10:00a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Bethany Cemetery in rural Edinburg with Rev. Steve Smith officiating. Memorials may be made to Multiple Sclerosis: One Step at a Time, 3309 Robbins Rd., Springfield IL, 62704, McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements. Memories of Gene, or condolences to his family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com