Francis Eugene “Gene” Vocks, age 79 of Hope, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born August 10, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, a son to the late Frank and Louise (Tannahill) Vocks.

Gene attended school at St. Ann’s High School in St. Louis.

On February 11, 1961, he was united in marriage to Joan E. Huesgen in St. Louis.  She preceded him in death on September 16, 2011.  

Gene was the manager of JB’s Grocery Store in St. Louis and then owner and operator of Vocks Plants in Frankenstein since the early 1980’s retiring in 2005.

Gene was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Frankenstein.

He enjoyed growing plants, flowers and operating the nursery.  Gene also enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, camping and most of all spending time with his family.

Gene is survived by: three sons, Danny Vocks of Linn, Jeff Vocks and his wife Jeanette of Linn and Mike Vocks of Frankenstein; one daughter, Lynn Byrd of Linn; seven grandchildren, Christine Byrd, Corey Vocks and his wife Danielle, Chad Vocks and his wife Jessica, Elizabeth Berney, Ashley Lovell and her husband Robbie, Nick Vocks, and Dylan Vocks; nine great grandchildren, Ava, Cameron, Emersyn, Kyler, Konner, Maverick, Carson, Gentry and Makinzley; one sister-in-law, Ann Vocks of the State of California; brother-in-law, Tom Goforth of St. Louis; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents and spouse of 50 years, Gene was preceded in death by two sisters, Barb Butz and Beatrice Louise Goforth; two brothers, Jimmy and Ronald Vocks and a son-in-law, Rex Byrd.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Frankenstein.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow with Fr. Colin Franklin as the celebrant.  Interment will be held at a later date in the Maria Hilf Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church or to the Donor’s Choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)  www.mortonchapel.com