Eugene ‘Gene’ W. Nute

Eugene “Gene” W. Nute, 81, of O’Fallon, IL died March 25, 2018 at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida. He was born on November 22, 1936 in Nashua, NH to the late Frank Leonard Nute and Melba Case (King) Nute.

Gene was raised in Hudson, NH and educated in the town school system, graduating from Alvirne High School in 1954. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of New Hampshire in 1961 and obtained a Master’s Degree in Management from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1977. He was an honor graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Gene enlisted in the 133rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, New Hampshire Air National Guard at Grenier Air Force Base in Manchester, NH on December 7, 1954. He came through the ranks and was awarded a direct commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in June 1957. After completing Air Force Navigator Flight Training in Texas, he returned to his Air Guard unit only to be recalled to active duty due to the critical shortage of navigators at the time. He crewed as a Radar Observer/Weapons Systems Officer in various fighter interceptors and as a navigator on numerous types of weather reconnaissance and transport aircraft. He accumulated over 8300 flying hours in his military career and was credited with over 5 years of Indochina service. He remained on active duty for over 20 years, retiring in November 1978 as a Master Navigator with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Gene married Barbara Ann Brown on August 19, 1956 in Berwick, ME and they soon started their family. This was the start of their military journey. The family was stationed at many stateside bases and overseas in Hawaii and Japan. Gene also served in Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.

Following his military service, he worked in Human Relations for the McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft Co in St. Louis for 3 years. He then opened his own business, Off We Go Travel, in O’Fallon, IL in 1983. Due to health concerns he sold the business in 1989 and permanently retired.

Gene was a member of many fraternal veterans’ organizations, believing in the patriotic and social good each sponsored. He was a Gold Card holder and Life Member of the American Legion Post #48, Hudson, NH, member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Lodge #664, Fairview Heights, IL, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie #3885, Englewood, FL, Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #2243, Glendale, AZ, Royal Canadian Legion Post #144, Pinellas County, FL, and a Life Member of the VFW Post #483, Nashua, NH. In addition, he was a Charter Member of the 20 GWB (Good Will Boys) Club of O’Fallon, IL. He also belonged to the Military Officers Association in Washington, DC and in Scott Air Force Base, IL.

He served his community as Chairman of the O’Fallon Board of Police and Fire Commissioners from 1988-1997 and was a Vice President of the Illinois Board of Police and Fire Commissioners Association, Southern Region from 1995-2004.

Out of respect and in memory of his younger brother, SP/4 Leonard K. Nute, US Army, who was killed in action at Chu Lai, South Vietnam on May 25, 1967, Gene returned to Hudson, NH to attend Memorial Day observations for the past 50 years. He served as master of ceremonies at the services, for the past 25 years.

Gene was known for his love of traveling, especially by rail, as well as camping, cribbage, dominos, annual family vacations, and wintering in Florida and Arizona.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years. Barbara Ann (Brown) Nute in May 2007, as well as his brother, Leonard “Lenny” K. Nute in May 1967.

Surviving are two daughters, Nancy A. (Michael) Rolla of Hampton, VA, Dianne J. (John) Young of Saline, MI, and son Frank H. Nute of O’Fallon, IL; grandchildren, Christopher Rolla of Hampton, VA, Stephanie Rolla of Poquoson, VA, Brynne Cere of Hampton, VA, David Young of Saline, MI, Heather Young of Ann Arbor, MI, and great-grandchildren, Chase Young, Kieran Rolla, Rilyn Cere, and Jackson Rolla-Lewis. Also surviving are his brother James A. (Mary) Nute of Gilford, NH, his sister Georgia E. (Cyprian) Kvedar of Las Vegas, NV, one of a kind friend and companion Susan Cleary of Treasure Island, FL and several nieces and nephews.

VISITATION: Friend’s may meet with the family starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at the Community Church, 19 Central Street, Hudson, NH. In accordance with Gene’s wishes, services will start at 11:03 a.m. The family will receive guests immediately following the service at the “Foxhole”, American Legion Post #48, 2 Fulton St, Hudson, NH.

A graveside service will take place, with full Military Honors, at the family lot in Woodlawn Cemetery, Nashua, NH, on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at 11:03 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post #48 Girls/Boys program PO Box 157, Hudson, NH 03051.

The Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St., Nashua, NH 03064 is in charge of arrangements. An online guest-book is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com. (603) 883-3401 “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”