Gene Allen Bess, of Dixon, was born on August 15, 1962, at Lincoln, Nebraska, a son of Wallace Eugene and Nancy Jean (Clarke) Bess, and departed this life at 11:07 a.m., Friday, November 13, 2020, in Phelps Health, Rolla. He had attained the age of 58 years, 2 months, and 28 days.

On March 11, 1980, at Beckley, West Virginia, Gene entered into active federal service in the United States Army and served until August 30, 1990, when he was honorably discharged at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, at the rank of Sergeant (E-5). During his military career , Gene's primary specialty was 51M20 Firefighter 4 years 1 month, 51M1F Firefighter 5 months, and 51M10 Firefighter 5 years and his military education included Firefighter, Practice Firefighter, Primary Leadership Course, ACADE Fire Training, Instructional Techniques, Arson Investigation, Emergency Medical Technician, and Law Enforcement Training.

He was awarded and entitled to wear the Army Service Ribbon, the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge Rifle M16, the Aircraft Crewman Badge, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon – 2, the Army Achievement Medal – 2, the Overseas Service Ribbon – 2, the Army Good Conduct Medal – 3, and the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge Hand Grenade.

He served at various duty stations as a Fireman including Fort Greeley, Alaska, Fort Rucker, Alabama (Flatiron), back to Fort Greeley, Alaska, and then to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, prior to his "Honorable Discharge" from active duty and enlisting in the US Army National Guard for a total of almost twenty years of honest and faithful service to his country when he was discharged on November 9, 1992, at Ashland, Kentucky, before he and his family moved to Dixon in 1993.

Gene was united in marriage on October 16, 1989, at Rolla, to the former Debra Ann (Nelson) Martin.

He made his profession of faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized early in life and was currently a member of the First Baptist Church, Dixon. Gene was also a member of the Liesmann-Roberts American Legion Post 298, and the Arlington Lodge No. 346 A.F. & A.M., both in Dixon, and the Scottish Rite, Valley of Joplin.  He had been employed as a Fireman at the Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department and at the time of his passing was the owner and operator of the Firehouse Tattoo Shop.

Those left to mourn the passing of Gene include: His wife, Debra "Debe" Bess, of the home in Dixon; four children, Christopher Martin (Carol) of Waynesville, Nori Marie Curenton (Curtis) of St. Robert, Ivan Allen Bess (Angie) of Daleville, Alabama, and Curtis Lee Bess (Caroline) of Petersburg, Virginia; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one brother, John Wallace Bess (Farrah) of Huntington, Indiana; one sister, Kimberly Evans (Jeff, Sr.) of Flatwoods, Kentucky; nephews, nieces, with greats, and great-greats as well; cousins; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace, on March 25, 2016; and his mother, Nancy, on June 18, 2016.

Visitation for Mr. Gene Allen Bess will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., with his Masonic Service at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, in the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 105 East Third Street, Dixon, Missouri 65459, with his funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel with Bro. Brandon McCombs and Bro. Jack Caple officiating.

Interment, with full military honors, will be at 1:00 p.m., in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Dixon. Honorary pallbearers for Gene will be Christopher Martin, Ivan Bess, Curtis Bess, John Bess, Josh Evans, Justin Evans, Jeff Evans, Gary Blaha, and Jimmy Rogers.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Gene Allen Bess are suggested to be given to help the family with expenses instead of flowers. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home the day of his service or in care of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box EE, Dixon, Missouri 65459.