Eugene "Gene"  Raymond Ghilardi, 82, of Columbia, Illinois, born January 21, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri,to Leo and Katie Ghilardi and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2024  in Arnold, Missouri.

Gene graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City, MO in 1960.  He continued his education a DeVry University in Illinois graduating in 1963. After graduation he began working for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, MO, where he created computer systems for the NASA Mercury Space Program. In 1965 he began hi career with the U.S. Postal Service where he created and managed their automatic package and mail program for the St. Louis branch. He worked for the Postal Service for over 30 years. He was a member of the Arnold Gun Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Katherine, nee Sylvester, Ghilardi and his brother-in-law, Cledith R. Davenport.

Gene leaves to cherish his memory, his loving sister, Elaine Davenport of Broken Bow, OK; his nephews, Wade Quintin Davenport (and Daughter Josie) of Grand Prairie, TX, Aaron Matthew (Tawsha) Davenport (and son Merrick) of Broken Bow, OK; a niece, Holly Ann (Ryan) Marnell (and Ddaughter Lauren) of Jenks, OK; and a special friend, Terry(Betty) Fahnestock (and son Curt) of Columbia, IL.

Condolences may be expressed at braunfh.com.

Internment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.  Braun Family Funeral Home in Columbia, Illinois was entrusted with the care of Mr. Ghilardi.