Paul Eugene "Gene" Robertson (84) of Altamont

Paul Eugene ‘Gene’ Robertson, 84, of Altamont, passed away at 7:42 a.m. at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana on Friday, April 22, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at the church with Pastor Bill Weaver officiating. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery, Effingham. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2022 at the First Baptist Church, Altamont and for one hour prior to service time. Casual attire is requested. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the donor’s choice. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gene was born on Thursday, July 22, 1937 in Benton, IL to Clyde and Jessie (Howe) Robertson. As a child he lived in Rector, Arkansas and then moved to Altamont, IL. He married the love of his life, Vivian Bush on January 19, 1958.

Gene was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix anything that came his way. He worked at Boos Butcher Block Factory, B & L Machine, and Jarmec Machine, of which he was the owner until his retirement in 2002. He loved anything to do with Harley-Davidson motorcycles and hotrod cars. He rebuilt two hotrods of his own, a 1929 Ford Model A and a 1934 five-window coupe, which he was very proud of. He used to race stockcars locally and set many track records. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Altamont and the local HOG (Harley Owners Group). He never knew a stranger and was willing to help anyone at any time.

Gene is survived by: his wife of over 64 years, Vivian of Altamont; son, Charles (Dena) Robertson of Chino Valley, AZ; daughter, Deb (fiancé, Mark Koester) Robertson of Altamont; grandchildren, Vanessa Pagel of Effingham, Jordan Robertson of Bethalto, Jessica (Tayler) Polk of Altamont, Megan Robertson of Alexandria, VA; great grandchildren, Zain (Abby) Parker of Newburgh, IN, Keaton Parker of Effingham, Kinze Polk of Altamont and Dax Polk of Altamont; niece, Josie (Brad) Shamhart of Wheeler.

He was preceded in death by his: parents; brothers, Lincoln Edward Robertson, Harvey Robertson; sister, Mary Lou Higgenbotham; and grandson, Colby Pagel.

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