Eugene Walter Eschbacher

Eugene Eschbacher ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Davis-Anderson Funeral Home - Carlinville on Mar. 8, 2026.Eugene Walter Eschbacher 95, of Carlinville Illinois, passed away on Friday evening, March 6th, 2026, at Mari de Villa, St. Louis Missouri.Gene was born in St. Louis Missouri, on March 13th, 1930, the only child of Walter and Mary Stuever Eschbacher. Gene graduated from Christian Brothers College High School (ROTC) and St. Louis University, (ROTC) with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. While in college, Gene worked part time for Valley Steel as a mail clerk. He became a full-time employee after graduating. Within a short period of time Gene enlisted in the Air Force where he was stationed near Inchon Korea for the final year of his 2 years of service. His unit was an engineering battalion that maintained the runways of an airbase outside of Inchon. Gene rejoined Valley Steel upon his return to St. Louis, which eventually brought him up to Carlinville Illinois to be plant manager. What began as a 2–3-year stint became where he would reside for the rest of his life.Gene met Virginia Leona Wickman at a Cathedral Club event in St. Louis on December 7th, 1958. Shortly thereafter, Eugene and Virginia were married on October 17th, 1959, Gene eventually went on to join Tubular Steel, then started Aladdin Steel in 1976 with 3 partners. Aladdin Steel was sold in April of 2023, after 47 years in business. Beside Aladdin, Gene had several passions including 40+ years of the annual Christmas light display, lifelong St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan, his bi-weekly bridge game, and watching his children's sporting events.Eugene is survived by his children, Andrew Eschbacher (Deanna Dixon) of Seattle WA, Roberta (Robert) Baldwin of Herman MO, Robert (Regina) Eschbacher of St. Louis MO, Patricia (Wade) Bush of Cincinnati OH; nine grandchildren, Nick (Jordan) Eschbacher, Adam Eschbacher, Alayna (Michael) Dickey, Katelyn Eschbacher, Daniel (Abby) Baldwin, Michael (Kalyn) Baldwin, Cole Bush, Logan Bush, Cooper (Chase) Bush, seven great grandchildren, Grace Eschbacher, Finnegan Eschbacher, Gabriel Dickey, Lilie Dickey, Caleb Dickey, Elliott Baldwin, Carter Baldwin.Eugene was preceded in death by newborns, David and Francis Lee, wife, Virginia Eschbacher and parents, Walter and Marie Eschbacher.Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 12th 2026, at Ss. Mary and Joseph's Church in Carlinville at 10:30 am with Rev. Joe Koyickal officiating. Visitation will be before the Mass starting at 9:00am.Burial will be in New Calvary Cemetery, Carlinville, ILMemorials are suggested to Ss. Mary and Joseph's Church and Carlinville Lion's ClubDavis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.