It is with sadness, but greater happiness that we announce the peaceful passing and sweet release into eternal splendor the life of Gene Stailey, a Navy veteran and Mimbres resident on January 18, 2025, at the age of 97. Gene was born on April 24, 1927 (Easter morning) in Gila, N.M., to Charlie Herbert Stailey and Ethlyn Lee Stailey.

All neighbors, friends and members of the community are invited to honor Gene's life. Please come and join us Saturday January 25th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 3755 N Swan St, #A Silver City, NM 88061: 9:15 AM Gathering and Respects, 9:45 AM Family Prayer, 10:00 AM Funeral Start, 11:30 AM Internment at Silver City Masonic Cemetery, N Cooper Street, where he will receive Full Military Honors. If you are unable to attend, you may join us on Zoom to view- https://zoom.us/j/92713154932

Gene grew up in Gila surrounded with and influenced by an amazing family and community legacy of strength, character, hard work, and shared resources. These elements are a hallmark of anyone who knows him. As a young boy growing up during the Great Depression Gene is the oldest of 7 children and due to the circumstances of the day became, as it were, a surrogate father at a very young age and this challenge and opportunity forged a unique family bond rarely equaled in life. His caring nature, friendly smile, kindness to always lend a hand, hard work and humor are the combination of his lasting visual examples. He knew he was not perfect, but strived to live his life as man of God, follower of Jesus Christ and his honor and integrity to square up and be right to meet his Maker became his strongest desire throughout his life. Gene can be best described as a psychologist, counselor, referee, story-teller, and a good listener. In the latter years of his life, he was a prolific author and wrote articles for the Mimbres Messenger and Silver City Daily Press, family, and friends. For those who know Gene he is always willing to put others needs ahead of his own, endured well his trials and opposition in life, and his life was preserved by God many times, for the benefit of us all, during his mortal journey.

Gene is a life-long resident of Grant County excepting his World War II military service (or as he would often say 'The Battle of Tijuana') for the United States Navy, in San Diego, CA (1945-1946) a work stint in Silver Bell, AZ (1965-1967) and as a missionary, with his wife Kay, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1993-94) in Independence, Missouri. Gene worked for several companies and in many jobs throughout his life with the most notable ones being ASARCO, Gwyn's, Kennecott Copper, and Phelps Dodge. Most of his career he worked as a chemist and later as Chief Chemist for Kennecott Corporation and later Phelps Dodge where he retired. He earned a BS from WNMU in 1965 majoring in Business and minors in Psychology, Economics, and Political Science. He was involved in many community service efforts to include Boy Scouts of America as a District Commissioner, Georgetown Masonic Lodge in varying leadership roles to include as secretary for 50+ years, and as a life-long minister and priesthood leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to include many years of service with Kay, as a temple ordinance worker, in the Albuquerque, NM Temple.

Preceded in death by: Charlie Stailey, Ethlyn Lee Stailey, Edith Watson Stailey, Patricia Polly (daughter), Nada Iola Stailey Portillo, Lester Bernard Stailey, Spencer Stailey (grandson), Archie Huber, Charles Pierce (brother-in-law), other nieces and nephews. Survived by Daughters: Stephanie Woodard (Mike), Dalaine Taylor, Ida Garcia, Cindy Lee; Sons: Carl Stailey (Anna), Kelly Murphy (Lisa), Michael Stailey (Eddie), Shane Stailey (Wendy), Steven Williams (Juliana); Sisters: Leda Joan Stailey Pierce (Charles), Sally Turner (Jerry), Charlene Faust (Bill); Brothers: Bill (Carolyn) Stailey, Don (Linda) Stailey, and Gary (Marie) Stailey. Numerous grand, great, and great-great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.