07/31/2026
This Saturday is Round 4 of the HLR Hot Summer Nights Series. This race will be in memory of this great man that played a big part in HLR becoming what it is today!
Calvin “Gene” McCurdy, age 79, of Moberly, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, July 27, 2026, at The Bluffs in Columbia, Missouri.
Born on April 30, 1947, in Audrain County, Gene was the son of Willie Hoy McCurdy and Alice (Fields) McCurdy. He graduated from Wellsville High School before proudly answering the call to serve his country.
Gene honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 to 1973, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his military service, he completed one tour in Vietnam, serving in field artillery operations. In recognition of his faithful service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal. His love for his country never faded, and he considered it a tremendous honor to participate in Central Missouri Honor Flight #44 on August 26, 2017.
A faithful member of Redeemer Church, Gene valued his faith and the fellowship of his church family.
On October 8, 1966, Gene married Regina Kay Moss, and they shared many years together until her passing. He later married Jean Ann Lewellen on July 7, 2007, and they shared their lives together until October 2017. On March 3, 2018, he married
Cheryl Johnson, who remained his loving wife and devoted companion.
Gene found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved antique tractor pulls and tractor rides and took great pride in restoring International tractors. He enjoyed playing cards, tending to his garden, visiting Branson, Missouri, shopping in Amish country, and in his younger years, camping with family and friends. One of his greatest companions was his beloved dog, Mersy, who held a special place in his heart.
Above all, Gene will be remembered as a proud patriot whose love for his country was evident throughout his life. His kindness, unwavering work ethic, and deep appreciation for his family, friends and fellow veterans will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Gene is lovingly survived by his wife, Cheryl McCurdy of Moberly, MO; his son, Tim McCurdy (Collette) of Lincoln, NE; his daughters, Tabby Klise (Dwight) of Crosby, TX, Trina Halterman (Steve) of Huntsville, MO, and Tori Perry (John) of Springfield, MO; his stepchildren, Scott Johnson, Cherri Landis, and Leslie Patrick; his grandchildren, Zach McCurdy of Bethel, MO, Kaylee Morrow of Bethel MO, Seth McCurdy of Centralia, MO, Desirae Troutner of Quincy, IL, Dakota Culbertson of Beaumont, TX, Drake Klise of New London, MO, Darion Klise of Dayton, TX, Delaney Klise of Crosby, TX, Jenna Halterman of Moberly, MO, Evan Halterman of Moberly, MO, Kendra Perry of Springfield, MO, Kamryn Perry of Springfield, MO, Kyle Perry of Springfield, MO; four step-grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; sisters, Della Von Vain of Middletown, MO, and Margaret Jennings of Curryville, MO; Brothers, Billy McCurdy of Vandalia, MO, and Charlie McCurdy of Vandalia, MO; along with numerous extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Hoy and Alice McCurdy; his first wife Regina Kay; his second wife, Jean Ann; brothers, Francis McCurdy, Ralph McCurdy and Leroy McCurdy; and his sister Lula Mae Thomas.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Pathway Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Moberly. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri.
