Robert Gene Stull, 77, of Galesburg passed away at home surrounded by his family at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023 after an 18 month courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on September 29, 1945 in Monmouth, IL, to the late Clarence Ordell & Mary Ellen (Shunick) Stull. Gene is survived by his wife, Judy Stull, his children Tyson (Brigitte) Stull of Chino Hills, CA; Brad (Rachel) Stull of Glen Rock, PA; Nicole (Matthew) Huels of Oak Park, IL; Joey Stull of Galesburg, IL; Missy (Phil) Lansing of Galesburg, IL; Wendy McAdam of Rock Island, IL. Ten grandchildren, Tyler & Brady Stull, Bradley & Jayden Stull, Wynne, Cormac & Joseph Huels, Matthew & Amanda Lansing, Jacob McAdam. His first great granddaughter is due in July. His Siblings, Bill Stull of Alexis, IL, twin sister Jane Burgland of Galesburg, IL & Martha Baker of Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by siblings, Katherine Fox, Betty Bruns & Francis Stull.
Gene proudly served his community in the auto business for over 50 years. He began his career at Louis Lakis Ford in the late 60s as a salesman & later working his way into management. Never fully committing to retirement, he joined Yemm Chevrolet during his final year & continued to work throughout his illness because he loved his craft so much. Customers dubbed him as “legendary” – the finest car & truck salesman to grace a dealership floor.
Gene was the best Papa to his grandchildren; always the most encouraging cheerleader on the sidelines, the first to break out in song & dance, never failing to show pictures & tell everyone how proud he was of each of them.
Gene attended and graduated from Alexis High School where he was a standout football player and track athlete. After high school, Gene attended barber school and owned and operated a barber shop for a few years in Wataga, IL. He was an avid sports fan, proudly cheering on his Fighting Illini, he was a former mayor of Alexis, IL, & was the Republican Party Chairman for Knox County in 1998-2004.
Services for Gene’s friends & loved ones at Watson Thomas Funeral Home in Galesburg, IL with visitation 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6, 2023 and funeral services 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Judy Stull for funds to be designated at Mayo Clinic.
