Eugene "Gene" William Pallai Jr.

Marine Veteran and Former Paramedic, LCPL Eugene William Pallai, Jr., “Gene” and or “Butch” as he was known by to his family and friends, was one of three children born to Eugene W. Pallai, Sr., and Nadine (Rusnak) Pallai on February 3, 1954 in Youngstown, Ohio, where he and his family lived until age eight. The Pallai’s being a military family, lived all over these Great United States and Germany before moving to Missouri in 1970 due to his father being stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. Gene graduated from Waynesville High School in 1973. After school Gene followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the military, becoming a Marine proudly serving his country faithfully until his honorable discharge. After leaving the military Gene began his Civil Service career at Fort Leonard Wood as an EMT later becoming a Paramedic. His last working years were at the Chemical School in Ft. Wood, before his retirement in 2009. Gene also served as Deputy Coroner for Pulaski County for a time; he also volunteered as a Fireman with the Waynesville Fire Department which he loved. He continued his adrenalin rush while repelling and performing cave rescues. Gene especially liked working with the organization, Young Marines. He cared about his community and served as a board member for Richland’s Youth Soccer League. Gene could be found working on projects with his friends, Judy, and Barb. Gene was a man of many resources and found ways to tap into his ability to serve however, and whenever possible. Gene was preceded in death by his father Eugene (2011) and his mother, Nadine (2023), paternal grandparents, Alex and Margaret (Veres) Pallai and maternal grandparents, George and Mary (Simko) Rusnak, aunts, and uncles. In the early morning hours of Monday, December 2, 2024 Gene peacefully passed away at his beloved home in Richland, Missouri, having attained the age of 70. He is survived by one son: Michael Pallai of Lebanon, MO; 2 grandchildren: Aden and Conner Pallai; two sisters: Nadine “Snookie” Sabo and her husband, William of Canfield, OH, and Sandra Harris and her husband, Bruce of Ozark, MO; nephews: Jason Ely (Renee) and Justin Robles (Katie), aunts, uncles, and cousins, in the state of OH, many great nieces and great nephews in the area, other relatives and a host of friends. Gene lived life to the fullest. He had a good time no matter the task and counted his family and friends a gift from God. Gene will forever be remembered in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. Services with military honors were held Monday, December 9, 2024 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Missouri with Chaplain Merlin Stephan officiating. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Eugene “Gene” William Pallai, Jr., and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences may be sent to www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Eugene "Gene" William Pallai Jr.

February 3, 1954 - December 2, 2024