Milton "Gene" Els

Milton Eugene (Gene) Els, 85, of Hillsboro, Missouri passed away April 5, 2023. His parents John and Mary Pearl Els preceded him in death. Gene was the oldest of five boys.

He graduated Hillsboro High School in 1956 then joined the Air Force and was stationed in Greenland. He then returned to Hillsboro, and started a construction company with his father, John Els. Gene was in the construction business for over 50 years. He constructed many of the buildings and bridges in Hillsboro and Jefferson County. Gene could build anything. He also enjoyed farming, and for many years ran a herd of cattle on his farm.

He married Linda Mae Powell in 1980. During their 42 years of marriage they enjoyed traveling abroad and using their RV camper to see the sights in various states. Gene, like his father, enjoyed rebuilding old cars and he owned and flew a Cessna airplane for many years. He greatly enjoyed many fishing and hunting trips with his family. Gene enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and teaching them to fish and to enjoy the outdoors.

Gene was a builder and outdoorsman. He always had a project (many projects) and was always willing to try something new.

Gene was a member of the first Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro.

He is survived by:

His wife and best friend, Linda Mae (nee Powell) Els

His children: Janice (Andy) Els Tuck, of Overland Park, Kansas, James Els of Hillsboro, Missouri, and Matt Cage of Cadet, Missouri.

His Brothers: Robert (Linda) Els of Greenfield, Missouri, Dennis (Doris) Els of Centralia, Illinois, David (Karen) Els of Littleton, North Carolina.

His Sister-n-Law Kathy Els of Hartsell, Alabama.

Many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Els.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 27, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.