Herbert Gene Tennis, age 90, of Sparta, Missouri passed away peacefully with family by his side Thursday, December 13, 2018. Gene was born in Sparta, Missouri October 2, 1928, to Loach Franklin and Pearl Winnie (Braden) Tennis, in a two-story white farmhouse where he continued to raise his family and live a full life. On December 7, 1947, he was united in marriage to Bessie Lucille Woods and they celebrated 52 years together before Bessie passed away in 1999. In his early life Gene was a mechanic and a farmer. Upon retiring from Braden Station, Gene settled back into his farm for his remaining years. He was quick witted, hard-working and devoted to his family. Gene enjoyed raising cattle, cutting wood, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Duke and North Carolina basketball games and most of all a good Dr Pepper. Gene was dedicated to his family and the best example of a dad and Papa you will find, Gene was definitely one of a kind.
He is survived by his children, Rick Tennis and Kay Acuff; five grandchildren Billi Evans, Josh Swineburg and wife Jacki, Ricquel Saylor and husband Jeff, Chad Tennis and wife Ashley, Jordan Acuff and wife Nikki; great- grandchildren, Levi Presley and wife Stormie, Mason Evans, Jaxx and Adryonah Acuff, Daylan Dean and Caden Jefferson , Jordan Saylor and Jacob Saylor; great- great granddaughter Finleigh Jo Presley and brother-in-law Taylor Woods.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his in laws, a sister and brother-in-law Mary Teague and husband Gene; brother and sister-in-law Raymond Tennis and wife Joretta, another brother Ralph Tennis; brother-in-law Bill Woods and wife Virginia; sister-in-law Mary Ball and husband Everett and beloved son-in-law Jerry Lee Acuff.
Funeral services for Gene will be 2:30 P.M. Saturday, December 15, 2018 in Sparta Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:30 to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 15, 2018 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamily funerals.com.
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Leon & Linda Newberry says
December 14, 2018 at 12:20 pmThey say a father’s guiding hand always sits on the shoulder of his children and although he may be in a better place, losing such a strong figure in life is one of the hardest things many go through. When you speak of him, speak not with tears, for thoughts of him should not be sad. Let the loving memories of his life shared with you provide the comfort you need during this challenging time. Nothing can ever replace the amazing, wonderful human being that touched so many lives. May God truly Bless each and everyone of his family.
Euella ( Hendrix) West says
December 14, 2018 at 12:41 pmMy thoughts and prayers for the family. He was a really great man. My dad and late husband always thought so much of “Humpy”.
Gene&Mary Beth Phillips says
December 14, 2018 at 2:41 pmWe are sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather,he will be truly be missed.
Ronda and E;eazar Soto says
December 15, 2018 at 5:59 amWe thought so much of Herb so many wonderful memories and he talked about his family with such pride Thinking of each of you during this difficult time
Bill & Debi Achor says
December 17, 2018 at 2:34 pmWe began delivering meals to your Dad and Grandfather several years ago from the Ozark Senior Center. My husband and I both enjoyed our short visits with him and loved taking treats to his buddy who never failed to great us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, we will miss him!