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Gene J. Himes, 94 and a former resident of Candlewood Dr. in the Town of Scriba passed away Monday morning at St. Luke Health Services, Inc.
He was born in Oswego and was the son of the late Orville and Callie Cavalier Himes. Mr. Himes was the husband of the late Eileen Foot Himes. Mr. Himes was a member of the Greatest Generation and served as an infantry rifleman during the Second World War, serving with the 4th Infantry Division. Gene landed with the first wave on Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day under the command of General "Teddy" Roosevelt, Jr. They relieved the 82nd airborne division at Sainte-Mere-Eglise and cleared the Cotentin Peninsula, drove across France and helped to liberate Paris. They fought in the Hurtgen Forest, the Battle of the Bulge and finally in Southern Bavaria where they were placed on occupation duty. Gene was wounded twice during his service with the 4th Division and received two Purple Hearts and the Combat Infantryman's Badge and a Bronze Star.
After the War, he started working at Armstrong Manufacturing in Fulton in 1946 where he remained until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of the VFW Post 5885 and the American Legion Post 268. Mr. Himes was an avid hunter and truly enjoyed the outdoors.
He is survived by one daughter Suzanne (Daniel) Mahoney, one son Thomas "Homer" (Theresa) Himes, both of Oswego, three grandchildren Shawn (Sherry) Mahoney, Melissa Himes (Kevin Tice), Lindi Himes (Shane Murray), two great grandchildren Riley Mahoney and Devon Mahoney.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday 7:00PM at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home.
Calling hours Wednesday 4-7PM prior to the service.
Spring burial will be in Peck's Cemetery.
