Gene Archer

Howard Eugene “Gene” Archer, 83, of Bonne Terre passed away December 24, 2016 at Kindred Hospital. He was born October 31, 1933 in Bonne Terre to the late Carl Lee and Lucille Louise (Stewart) Archer. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Carl Wayne Archer.

Gene served his community through hard work and dedication. He started his law enforcement career in 1952 with the Bonne Terre Police Dept. after a few years he then went to work with St. Joe Mines. Gene later decided to go into business for himself and opened a few Texaco fuel stations in the Leadbelt, the stations later closed up and Gene wanted to get back into what he loved the most, he joined the State of Missouri Liquor Control division and worked several years there as an agent, after which he then joined with St. Francois County Sheriff's Dept. and worked his way up to chief deputy and held that position for 7 years. Finally he ended up where he started, back at Bonne Terre Police Dept. and held the chief of police position for 15 years. He was a former councilman and mayor of Bonne Terre. Gene was a 50 year member of the Samaritan Lodge #424, he served on the Mo. Council of Criminal Justice and was a former board member and one of the founders of the 911 board. 

Gene is survived by his wife of 65 years, Maxine (Wright) Archer, daughter, Sharron (Mike Crabdree) Archer; grandchildren, Ben (Ruth) Adams, Jaclyn (Michael) Gilliam; great-grandchildren, Alexis Adams and Kaitlyn, Baylee and Emily Gilliam; two brothers, Jim (Trillie) Archer, and Jerry Archer; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation will be Tuesday December 27, 2016 from 4 pm to 8 pm with a masonic service at 7 pm at the C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Bonne Terre. Funeral service will be 11 am Wednesday at C.Z. Boyer Chapel with Rev. Ron Poole officiating and assisted by Rev. Alan David. Interment will follow at the Bonne Terre Cemetery.  The family has requested memorials be made to the BackStoppers.