Eugene E. Manhken

Eugene E. Mahnken

Eugene E. Mahnken, 71, of Ozark, Missouri, formerly of Smithton, passed away Friday, December 30, 2016.

Eugene was born in Florence, to Cora and Olin Mahnken on March 24, 1945.

He attended school in Stover.

He married Helen Hampy on June 5, 1965, at Lake Creek Church in Smithton.

He worked as an auto mechanic, achieving wide acclaim as the best General Motors mechanic in the area. He concluded his career in the auto industry by working at Central Missouri Auto Auction. He was a long time volunteer for the Pettis County Volunteer Fire Department.

Eugene was a lifelong hunter and avid gun collector. Whitetail deer everywhere breathed a sigh of relief with Eugene’s passing.

Eugene is preceded in death by his parents, Cora and Olin; and a brother, Leo.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 51 years, Helen; three children, Kevin (Barbara), Brian (DeAnna), and Derek (Joannah); two sisters, Delores Nolting and Linda (Bill) Griffing; a sister in law, Carol Mahnken; three grandchildren, Camryn, Tate and Thomas; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2017, at Heckart Funeral Home.

A private burial service will follow.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at Heckart Funeral Home.

Memorials contributions are suggested to American Cancer Society or Florence United Methodist Church.