Eugene Edward McKown, 78, was born on July 16, 1932 in Liberty, Mo. To Thomas M. McKown and Mary Colven McKown. He passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at his home in Osceola.
Gene was a veteran of the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Essex in the early fifties. Gene made his profession of faith and accepted Jesus as his Savior on April 8, 1953 and became a member of the U.S. Navy’s “Christian Floating Society”.
After his discharge from the Navy Gene began a career in music that would carry him throughout the remainder of his life. To Gene music was much more than a career it was a passion. Music allowed Gene to share himself with others. In addition to playing and singing in Osceola and the surrounding area. Gene was a well known and respected song writer and recording artist in the music industry. One of his compositions “Rockabilly Rhythm” was recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame..
In his latter years Gene was affectionately known locally as the “candy man”, because of his familiar greeting of “would you like some candy” to young and old alike and his always present bag of mixed goodies that he faithfully carried around in an over-sized baggy.
Gene was preceded in death by both of his parents and had no known living relatives. He is survived by his loving church family at “Friends of Jesus Christian Church”.
Leave a Reply