Gene E. Rowbotham

Obituary

Gene E. Rowbotham left this world on Feb 9, 2022, at the age of 87. He was born to Gweneth and Velna (Loos) Rowbotham on Feb 4, 1935, in Mendon IL.  He married Carol Davis on December 2, 1956, in Payson, IL. Together they raised 5 children in Quincy, Illinois while working for Motorola.  Gene and Carol moved to Protem, Missouri in 1975, taking over the Pioneer Store from her parents.  They ran the family business until passing it down to their daughter, Lisa, in 2004.   Gene loved spending time with his family and friends.  He loved having his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all near him.  Gene loved all sports, playing cards and sitting on his porch.  He made an impact on many young lives by being a baseball and basketball coach, referee and mentor.  Gene also served on the Mark Twain School Board and was an active member of the Protem Fire Department since it’s conception.    For over 55 years, Gene has raised rabbits and loved traveling all over the country showing his rabbits.  He had an entire second family in his rabbit show friends.

He is survived by 2 sons, Geff (Jackie) Rowbotham and Tim (Molly Donahue) Rowbotham, 3 daughters, Lora (Doug) Sanders, Lisa (John) Jennings, and Tammy (Les) Bechtel; 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.  Gene is survived by two sisters, Joyce (Floyd) Leenerts of Quincy, IL and Wanda Duke of Ursa, IL and several nieces and nephews. 

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, his parents, brother-in-law Steve Duke and brother and sister-in law, Barry and Cora Davis. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Protem Cemetery Fund. 

Protem Cemetery Association
P. O. Box 1, Protem MO 65753