Eugene 'Gene" Acklin was born September 2, 1940 to the union of Roy Acklin and Albirda Agee in Conway, Arkansas. He is the second of eleven children. Gene is preceded in death by both parents and three of his siblings; Roy, Theodore (Ted) and Doris Arlene.

The family migrated to Kansas City in the mid-forties. Gene graduated from Lincoln High School in Kansas City, MO. He worked several jobs in maintenance including a part time maintenance job for UMKC Gene retired after 19 years as a construction worker for JE Dunn Construction. Gene was a member of the Labor Union Local 177 (JE Dunn).

After retirement Gene proudly worked part-time for his son, Wayne and deceased wife Lisa, owners of Cousins Catfish, helping with small jobs. That is where he was introduced to his present wife, Dr. Grace Hunter. Gene treated her like a Queen in courtship and marriage. He fondly coined the name "Baby Girl" for his beloved. He Supported her many ministry assignments, never hindering and quietly admiring her calling to ministry. Gene was dearly loved by her entire family.

Gene and his wife, Grace attended Greater Pentecostal Temple (GPT) for several years and moved their membership to Refresh Church after retirement to be closer to their home. He was a quiet, easy-going person that won your love, acceptance, and respect without pushing for it.

He enjoyed taking trips with his wife, brothers, Sister and as couples; cruises, vacations, reunions, Vegas, Hawaii, Key West, Bahamas. Gene was always present in his own quite way. Gene and his brother, Herb, loved playing dominos with family and friends. Gene did not like to lose; however, he realized the competition was greater on the trips back home to Arkansas.

After some years of retirement, Gene became more of a homebody and he loved family fellowship, good food and watching sports. Baseball and football were his favorites sports.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his loving wife of 19 ½ years, Dr. Grace Acklin; two sons Raymond Acklin of California, DeWayne Acklin of Kansas City; two stepsons Virgil Ware of KC MO., Anthony (Tina) Stewart of Chattanooga, TN., a stepdaughter Tanitha Hunter of Grain Vally, MO.; seven brothers Willie L (Ernestine) Acklin of Alabama, Bobbie J (Donita) Acklin of K.C. KS., Herbert R, Acklin of K.C. MO., Calvin E (Barbara) Acklin of Raymore, MO., Maurice (Jan) Acklin of Lee's Summit, MO., Sylvester Acklin of Lee's Summit, MO., one sister Helen (Clarence) Pettit of Charlotte, NC.; eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .