Gene Honn Obituary
Gene Allen Honn, 74, of Savoy, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
Gene was born October 3, 1950, in Paris, Illinois, to Waldo and Geneta Honn. He was raised on the family farm in Isabel and lived in various Illinois communities throughout his life, including Homewood, Mount Vernon, Carbondale, and most recently, Savoy.
He married Diane Honn on December 31, 2010, who survives him. Gene was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Marlow; his late wife, Martha Honn; his mother, Geneta Honn; his father, Waldo Honn; step-son, Cameron Smith and daughter-in-law, Pam Downing.
Gene is survived by his children: Joshua Honn, Sara Meyers, and Jared Honn; step-son Aaron Smith; step-daughters Jasolyn Evans (Doug) and Jacquelyn Sagez (Jared); grandchildren Owen Meyers, Ava Meyers, Ethan Evans, Connor Evans, Dylan Evans, Lennox Sagez, Lawson Sagez, Sienna Sagez, and Selma Sagez; as well as sisters Mary Jane LeGrand of Ashton, Melinda Honn and Marsha Honn of Arizona, along with numerous beloved relatives.
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University and dedicated much of his professional life to working with non-profit organizations, including the National PTA, the American Cancer Society, and later as Director of Fund Development for Southern Illinois Healthcare, retiring in 2017.
A dedicated family man, Gene cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren, especially during summer adventures at “Camp Papa”, creating treasured memories with the family.
Gene enjoyed nature, gardening, bird watching, traveling, family game days, community volunteering; had an extensive pig collection, and was an avid football fan. His warm spirit and friendly nature made him a beloved friend to many in every community he touched.
Memorial donations may be made to the Waldo Honn & Son Scholarship Fund serving his hometown community of Oakland, Illinois.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 20th, 1-4pm at The Gathering Place, 1866 Bucks Pond Rd., Monticello, Illinois.