Virgil Eugene Clough

Virgil Eugene 'Gene' Clough was born February 26, 1929, at Cummings, Kansas. He was the son of Virgil E. and Ida A. (Schrader) Clough. Gene grew up, and lived, in Atchison, Kansas, joining the military in 1951. In 1955, he moved to Burlingame, Kansas, and, in 1967, to Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas, where he made his home, until his death Wednesday, July 28, 2004, at the age of seventy-five years. Gene graduated from Atchison High School with the class of 1947. He was self-employed, operating the Body Shop & Garage in Burlingame from 1955 until 1967. He worked at Ottawa University from 1967 until 1971; as a mechanic for Ottawa Ready Mix from 1971 until 1975; and, opened his own garage, Clough Body Shop, in Ottawa in 1975, retiring in 1982. He served from 1951 until 1955 in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Mr. Clough was a member of First Baptist Church in Atchison and a former member of Ottawa Lodge #803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. An outgoing person, Gene enjoyed visiting with his friends at the coffee shop. He also enjoyed driving his truck and was quite a 'bargain' shopper. Gene's greatest enjoyment, however, came from his family. He was a devoted husband and father and loved spending time with his family. On May 12, 1951, Gene was united in marriage with Darlene Matthias at Buckeye, Arizona. She survives of their home. He is also survived by his son, Danny Clough of Ottawa; two daughters, Gayle Bones and her husband, Kenneth, of Gardner, Paula Mages and her husband, Tim, of Ottawa; sister, Lois Demmon of Marianna, Florida; three granddaughters, Sadye Mages, Anna Mages, Amy Bones; three grandsons, Cale Mages, Nathan Clough, Shawn Bones; and, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 31, 2004. OFFICIATING CLERGY: IN STATE: Mr. Clough will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 P.M. Friday to the service hour where the family will meet with friends 1:00 P.M. Saturday. CEMETERY: Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery in Atchison, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Richmond Care Center c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.