~OBITUARY~ Donald Eugene “Gene” Coburn

August 25, 1936 - May 16, 2023

May 16, 2023, Donald Eugene “Gene” Coburn, of Albany, MO, passed away at the age of 86. He was born in Gentry County on August 25th, 1936, to Henry and Alta (Neal) Coburn.

Gene was drafted and served in the Army with the 120th Transportation Co. from November 1959 to March 1962. He was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, most of the time in the Army. He returned to Albany and became a partner in a filling station. Gene spent his life as a trucker after that. He began as a kid tagging along with Walter Severson and purchased the business in 1964 after Walter’s health failed. He hauled loads of livestock for many years then purchased a semi and grain trailer for the rest of his career. He hauled his last two loads May 10, 2023. He was a happy man in that truck!

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Eldon and Jim Coburn.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara “Bobbi” (Siddens) Coburn. They were married in 1964 and to this union two children were born. A son, Sam Coburn, (Jennifer) Worth, MO, and a daughter, Becky (Ken) Warren Lawson, MO. Gene and Bobbi have been blessed with three grandchildren; Will Franks (Cynthia) Shanghai, China, Brooke Collins and Ashley Ebel (Tony) both of Grain Valley, MO, four great-grandsons; Thayne, Tayten, and Traycen Collins and Jax Ebel all of Grain Valley, sisters-inlaw; Nell Coburn and Sheryl Coburn both of Albany, Dixie Crail, St. Joe, MO, Lynn Connor, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and brother-in-law, Charles Siddens, Albany, and several nieces, nephews and many friends.

The funeral service was held Saturday, May 20th at Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial was in the Grandview Cemetery, Albany. Donations may be made to the Hall Cemetery or a charity of the givers choice in care of Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com

June

26, 1945 - May 16, 2023

Verla “Boots” Eckstein, 77, also known as “Grandma Sugarbear” of Stanberry, Missouri, passed away May 16, 2023, at Pineview Manor in Stanberry. She was born June 26, 1945, in Ravenwood, Missouri, the daughter of Herschel H. and Florence B. (O’Banion) Sybert.

Boots was united in marriage to Bernard Eckstein on July 3, 1963. He preceded her in death November 9, 2017.

Boots was also preceded in death by her grandson, Jeffrey Fish, sister and brother-in-law, June and John McCrary, and brother-in-law, Jerry Eckstein.

Boots worked in the kitchen at Benedictine Convent for several years, and for Conception Abbey as a cook for 30 years before retiring.

Boots practiced Methodist faith. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandma. She loved playing with the grandchildren, enjoyed music, cooking, fishing, mushroom hunting, riding through the countryside and most of all visiting her wonderful family and friends.

Survivors include her sons Mike (Susan) Eckstein, Weatherby, MO, Herschel (Trudy) Eckstein, Independence, MO; daughters Brenda (Doug) Fish, Albany, MO, Judy (David) Henry, Blockton, IA; grandchildren Tonya (Josh) Wilson, Delaney Eckstein (Tony Johnson), Dylan Eckstein, Danielle (Brandon) Sleep, Whitney Henry, Damien Henry; great-grandsons Zhane, Gavin & Gabriel Wilson, Henry Sleep, Jesse Johnson; great-granddaughter Hannah Sleep; step-grandchildren Alex & Chloe Wilson; sister, Susie Eckstein; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends, and especially the Staff and residents of Pineview Manor in Stanberry.

Memorial services were held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Pineview Manor or Three Rivers Hospice in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com