Allen Gene Carraway

Allen Gene Carraway, 76, of Owensboro, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital while holding the hands of his loving family. He was born August 13, 1948, in McLean County, to the late Forrest “Shorty” Allen Carraway and Mary Gertrude “Trudy” (Johnson) Carraway.

 Gene was a proud Army veteran. He served in the famed US Army 1st Infantry Division, the Big Red One, as an Engineer and Equipment Maintenance Technician, later joining the National Guard until his retirement with honorable discharge in 1999. For his efforts in Vietnam, Gene was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Marksman (Rifle) Badge.

 Gene also retired from the Daviess County Road Department, where he started his career in vehicle maintenance and retired as Construction Foreman. After his retirement from the Road Department, Gene drove a truck for De-Am-Ron, where he was a valued employee and friend. Gene also drove a truck and tractor for, and treasured the lifelong friendships of, the Wink and Coke families.

 Gene considered The Eagles Club his second home and family. He would often be found “Down the Club” playing pulltabs and watching a game or race while enjoying a shorty and beer. He was a well-loved member and patron of their benefits and fundraisers for over 30 years.

 Uncle Gene was one of a kind. He was loving, generous, hard-working, mischievous, strong, dependable, and landsamighty was he stubborn. His gruff exterior hid the softest heart. Dogs and horses were drawn to him. He could jiggle a baby to sleep on his knee in under a minute. He could rattle off the name of every road, ditch, and creek in Daviess and McLean counties. He cherished his Sunday morning breakfasts with “his boys,” Henry, Samuel, and Charlie, his “big boy,” Eric, and his pain in the butt niece, Kristi. He was the best son, brother, uncle, and friend anyone could hope for. He is missed more than words can say.

 Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Dale Carraway; sister-in-law, Andrea Price; brother-in-law, Rev. Ronald Payne; nephew, Dale Payne; nephew, Axel Matthew Carraway; and a niece, Debra Lynn Payne. He remembered fondly and spoke often of his dear friends Brenda Jones and Bobby Layne.

 Gene is survived by his siblings, Jackie (Ann) Price, Patsy (Ronnie) Payne, Rosa “Tootsie” (Bobby) Johnson, and Dale (Rose) Carraway. He left behind 19 nieces and nephews, 31 great-nieces and nephews, one great-great niece, and one great-great nephew.

 The funeral service for Allen Gene Carraway will be at 10 am. Monday, February 3, 2025, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be from 1 until 5 pm Sunday, February 2, at the funeral home, with the Eagles Club conducting a Farewell Service at 4 pm. Visitation on Monday will be from 9 am until the time of service.

 Burial to follow at Pleasant Hope General Baptist Church Cemetery in Calhoun.

 Memories and condolences for the family of Gene Carraway may be left at www.glenncares.com