Eugene Velmer McAbee

Eugene “Gene” Velmer McAbee of Homedale, age 84 passed away the early evening of August 23, 2019. He achieved a goal of passing away at his home in Homedale. Gene was born on October 5, 1934 in Alicia, Arkansas to parents Velmer Eugene and Ella Odessa East McAbee. The family moved to Homedale, ID when Gene was around 6 years old. Gene attended school in Homedale. Gene was previously married. To this marriage three children were born, Butch, Debbie and Betty. Gene married Shirley Rowen Garner on December 5, 1993. They adopted and raised four grandchildren, Allen, Jacob, Kimberely McAbee and Lukas Beck. Gene was a man of many talents and many, many professions, he rode bareback bucking horses before joining the Air Force serving 4 years during the Vietnam war. Gene was proud to have served 13 years in law enforcement, including Homedale Chief of Police. Gene was a long-haul truck driver for 10 years. When Gene and Shirley married, they lived on the mountain and he cut logs. Later Gene worked for the Davis family for 14 years, irrigating land and watching cattle. Gene donated time driving vets to many appointments. Gene also spent a lot of time at the Homedale Senior Citizen Center, he was president more than once. Gene was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, parents Velmer and Ella McAbee. Son Velmer “Butch”, daughter Debbie, stepson Dairo, sister Mary, brothers Larry and Virgle, one grandson and one great grandson. Gene is survived by sister Pat Lewis, stepchildren, William (Doris), Kathlene, sons Allen, Jacob McAbee, Lukas Beck, daughter Kimberely McAbee (Joe). He is survived by 19 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren. He is also survived by a special ex daughter-in-law Pam Garner. A viewing at the Homedale Flahiff Funeral Chapel on Thursday evening August 29, 2019 at 5 pm until 8 pm. A viewing will be held at the Homedale LDS Church on Friday August 30, 2019 at 9 am until 10:15 am. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Marsing Homedale Cemetery.