January 8, 2019

Linn County News

Published Jan. 9, 2019 

Harold Eugene McWilliams, 89, of Urich, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019 at Urich First Baptist Church, 502 N. Main St., Urich.

Gene was the oldest of six children, born to Harold and Elsie Wilson McWilliams. He was born June 6, 1929, in Beacon, Iowa, and later moved with his family to Kansas City. He was drafted and served in the United States Army during the Korean War where he served three years working as an equipment operator.

Eugene was united into marriage to Helen Ousley Peoples on June 6, 1960.They later bought a farm south of Louisburg. Gene worked for Leaseway Trucking for many years until they closed the business due to a flood. He worked until retirement for the Shawnee Mission School District in the parts department.

Gene and Helen traveled to Texas as winter Texans for many years, enjoying the RV life and their many friends. Gene and Helen returned to Urich just seven months ago to live with their children on the farm.

Gene enjoyed family get-togethers, playing cards with his family, gardening, using his many tools, collecting wood for the winter, family dinners together, as well as bluegrass music.

Gene came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ gift of grace in his 70s. He currently worshipped at Urich First Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter Gayle Ann McWilliams; his brother, Jim McWilliams; and a sister, Beverly Davis.

Survivors include his wife Helen McWilliams of Urich; sons Howard McWilliams, Urich, Ed Peoples, Grandview, Mo., and Richard Peoples, Fort Scott; one daughter, Arlene Watrous, Pleasanton; and all their families.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Urich First Baptist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary Louisburg Chapel, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, KS 66053.

To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.dengelmortuary.com.

Arrangements: Dengel & Son Mortuary Louisburg Chapel, 120 S. Broadway, Louisburg, KS 66053.