Gene L. Vinson, of Thatcher, passed away April 18, 2017. He was born August 8, 1930 in Athens, Alabama to William Louis and Eddie Johnson Vinson.
In 1933, he and the family moved to Duncan, Arizona, where his dad worked as a farmer. In 1941, they then moved to Morenci where Gene finished his schooling and graduated from Morenci High School in 1948.
After graduating, Gene worked for 37 years for the Morenci water and Electric Co. He loved to play golf and play the drums. For about 30 years, he played the drums for various country music bands on the weekends.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Janice Ratcliff, son Mark (Linda) of Chandler, 2 grandsons and 2 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister and a daughter.
Funeral services for Gene will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel with interment to follow in the Duncan Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel and Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
