Ervin Eugene "Gene" Page, 86, of Shell Knob died in his home, Friday, Dec. 1, 2006.

He was born Nov. 10, 1920, in Oilton, Okla., the son of Fountain Hubert and Clara Mae (McMillion) Page. He was united in marriage to Virginia Lee Curtis on Dec. 18, 1943, and she survives.

Additional survivors include: one son, Dennis Page and two daughters, Barbara Page and Joyce Mahan, all of Springfield; one brother, Lloyd Page, of Casper, Wyo.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

He attended grade school in Harjo, Okla. He graduated from high school in Prague, Okla. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a current member of American Legion Post 4 in Enid, Okla.

Upon retiring, he moved to Shell Knob.

He and his wife were recognized by the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce as "Citizens of the Year" for 1989-1990. The Chamber and the community of Shell Knob also recognized the couple in 2003 with the Community Service Award.

He was a former member of the local Lions Club, and also spent many hours of service for the Central Crossing Senior Center, delivering meals to shut-ins for five years. He was an elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church. He served as director of Emergency Preparedness for Barry County for several years.

Respecting his final wishes, there will not be a funeral/memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family ask memorial contributions be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 467, Shell Knob, MO 65747 or the Monett Office of Community Hospices of America, 845 Highway 60, Suite A, Monett, MO 65708.

The body has been cremated under the direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Shell Knob.