Eugene Draege, 88, of Woodlawn, Illinois passed away at 9:55 A.M.September 14, 2019 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He was born June 28, 1931 in Richview, Illinois to Emma Draege. He married Shirley Louise Bower on June 5, 1954 in Union Christian Church in Ashley, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of sixty-five years, Eugene is survived by his sons, Steven Draege and wife, Cindy of Woodlawn, Illinois and Daniel Draegeof Richview, Illinois and special friend, Ginger Kehrer of Woodlawn, Illinois; daughter, Monica Braddy and husband, Wayne of Woodlawn, Illinois; grandchildren, Michael Braddy, April Rowe and husband, Mark, Trisha Draege and special friend, Ashley Davis, Ashleigh Settle and husband, Travis, and Kristina Draege; and great-grandchildren, Corbyn, Cadyn, and Coltyn Settle.

In addition to his mother, Eugene was preceded in death by his infant son, David.

Eugene proudly served in the United States Army as a Corporal during the Korean War. He worked at Ashley Candy Factory, Irvington Elevator, farmed, and built homes in the Ashley area including their own home.Eugene was a longtime member of White Swan Baptist Church and current member of Fouts Christian Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and farming. Eugene loved spending time with his family and will be missed greatly.

A Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2019 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois.A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 P.M. with Mr. Jerry Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Brick Cemetery in Ashley, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Brick Cemetery or Fouts Christian Church Missionary Fund.

Call Newell Funeral Home – Mount Vernon at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.