Harold Eugene "Gene" Lunsford

Harold Eugene “Gene” Lunsford passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 12, 2026. Born in Pennville, Missouri, in 1937 to Glen and Emily (McDonald) Lunsford, he graduated from Green City High School. After working various jobs across several states, he served in the Army before returning to civilian life.

On July 24, 1966, Gene married Phylis J. (Webb) Lunsford. Together they raised four children, who blessed them with six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Over his lifetime, Gene worked for the BNSF railroad and as a carpenter, building many homes in Sullivan County, including his own and those of both sons. A gifted, self-taught musician, he played guitar, steel guitar, bass guitar, and mandolin, performing in several bands. After giving his life to Jesus, he was called into ministry, where he served for more than forty years. Passionate about people, Gene never met a stranger and welcomed most everyone into his heart and home. His greatest desire was for others to know Jesus and to know they were loved.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Phylis Webb Lunsford; his son, Dale Lee Lunsford; his parents, Glen and Emily Lunsford; and his brother, Gary Lunsford.

He is survived by his children, Debbie Lunsford McClure, Doug (Amanda) Lunsford, and Darin (Megan) Lunsford; his grandchildren, MacKenzie (Randall) Hubbard, Dalton McClure, Marshall Lunsford, Maddie Lunsford, Brody Lunsford, and Kasey Lunsford; and his great-grandchildren, Waylon and Declan Hubbard.