Billy Gene Genaust (93) of Effingham

Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be shared atwww.johnsonandsonsfh.com.

Billy was born on November 12, 1931, in Effingham, IL, the son of William and Neva (Campbell) Genaust. He married Florence Flack on September 9, 1953 and she preceded him in death on January 17, 2025.

Billy served in the United States Air Force and then worked for the Illinois State Police for 38 years. He was a member of the Effingham American Legion, the N.R.A., and the I.R.A. He also served on the Effingham County Board for 4 years. Billy took pride in holding his pilot license and was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He loved riding motorcycles and was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. He and his wife were members at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham.
Billy was a caring and giving man. Aside from being a public servant, he also showed his charitable side with acts of kindness, such as growing turnips and sweet corn to give away. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and loved his family dearly.

Billy is survived by his daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Genaust of Effingham; grandchildren, Thad (Kim Thomas) Genaust of Alma, IL, and Amanda Genaust of Effingham; and great-grandchildren, MaKenna Roley, Tatum Genaust, Jaxxon Green, and Bentley Genaust.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence Genaust; son in infancy, Bruce Genaust and son, Dennis Genaust.