Harold Gene Jeffries, aged 86, Independence, MO., passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16th, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Gene was born on May 21st, 1937, to Pearly and Ethel Mae Jeffries. He was born at the family’s home-place just between Independence and Sibley, and overlooking the Atherton bottoms. A location that is still in the family today, and that he always considered special, right up to his passing. He lived his life with simplistic, Christian, and “Do The Right Thing” morals and values. He, along with his sister, and (7) brothers, established a reputation for their kindness, love of family, generosity, values, and work ethic throughout the eastern Jackson County area.
He was part of the first class to attend and graduate from Fort Osage High School in its new building in 1955. He was saved by Grace in the New Salem Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for decades.
He started his professional career in commercial construction, before moving into metal fabrication, including supervision. He worked for the Clark Manufacturing Co., and Lely North America in the Atherton bottoms (farming innovations). He then, moved to Design Craft Inc., before finishing his career with Inland Tool & Mfg. in Kansas City, KS, before retiring.
He was a youth football, basketball, and (his favorite), baseball coach in the Independence area for many years. In Queen City Baseball, he led his 1986 Shoney’s Big-Boy Juniors club to an American Amateur Baseball Congress State Title and regional championship appearance.
He lived a good and meaningful life, making friends and acquaintances everywhere he went- at work, at church, and in local athletics.
He leaves behind his wife of (63) years, Mary Serene. Three sons, Jeff, Jody (Beth), and Jason (Whitney), all local. Grandchildren Kelsey Palmer, Kaley, Jackson, Ella, Adleigh, and Robin Brooks. He also leaves one Great Grandchild, his Lil Ms., Ameliah Palmer.
Many Thanks to the terrific physicians and nursing staffs at KU Med, especially Beth Jeffries and her staff, who all treated him with dignity and respect throughout.
A visitation to pay respects will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 5:30-7:30pm. Graveside services to follow on Wednesday, May 29, at 11:00am, Salem Cemetery, adjacent to the Blue Hills Baptist Church at E 24 Highway & Blue Mills Road. All who knew him are welcome.
The family will accept flowers, or donations are most welcome in Gene’s honor to: Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 9001 State Line Rd, Suite 300, KCMO, 64114. They can also be found online at kchospice.org.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home Independence, MO (816) 796-8600