Gene Recker NEW MADRID — Welton Eugene "Gene" Recker, known to all of us as "Guru" left his earthly confines to be with his heavenly Father on Dec. 25, 2011, at the age of 52. He was born on Feb. 26, 1959, in Sikeston, to Virginia Ransburgh Recker and Lewis H. Recker Sr. He was a veteran, having served our country in the U.S. Air Force. He was employed by Noranda Aluminum until his retirement and was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Madrid. He was married to Ashleigh Mainor Recker, who survives of the home with their daughter, Willow Belle Rcker. He is also survived by a stepson, Logan Mainord of East Prairie; a stepdaughter, Tiffany Warf Gantt of Cape Girardeau; and a stepgranddaughter, Khloe Gantt of Cape Girardeau. Other survivors include his mother, Virginia Ransburgh Recker on New Madrid; two brothers, Lewis H. Recker of New Madrid and Robert E. Recker of Jacksonville, Fla.; three sisters, Sally English of Chicago, Karen Surman of Seattle and Susan Ringer of Parsons, Tenn.; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis H. Recker Sr.; brother, William A. Recker; and stepson, Tyler Warf. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Richard Funeral Home in New Madrid with rosary prayers at 7 p.m. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Madrid with the Rev. J. Skrzypek officiating. Burial with full military graveside rites will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Richard King, David Luke Hunter, Craig Scobey, Roger Baker, Jonathon Hunter and James Hodges. The family is compiling stories about Gene to make a book to share with Willow as she grows up. You may help by sending stories to: Ashleigh at [email protected] or to Julie at [email protected] . Sharing of stories would be greatly appreciated. - - - Memorial donations may be made to: Free to Breathe 222 N. Midaule Blvd., Suite 6 Madison, Wis. 53705 or www.freetobreathe.com.