ZEPHYRHILLS - Eugene (Gene) V. Marks 87, formerly of Lowville, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter Tracy Markham on August 25, 2016 . Gene, a graduate of General Martin Central School where he learned his love for basketball, attended Cornell University and served in the US Army as a squad supervisor (corporal).

One of five brothers, Eugene was born in Croghan to the parents of Walter and Mary B. Marks on August 17, 1929 . They were a handsome group of boys known for their good looks and as fierce competitors. Brothers Hillary, Reginald and Herbert (Doc) Marks, wife Irene Marks and daughter Mary Taylor preceded him in death. His brother Walter lives in Florida with wife Carol.

In 1953, Gene married Irene Adeline McGee on December 30th, in ceremony at Trinity Episcopal Church of Turin, conducted by Rev. Arnold J Pederson. After the wedding, Gene returned immediately to 167 Infantry Regiment at Camp Atterbury , Indiana where he served in the Army.  After completing his contract he returned home, as per his mother's wishes, and operated Gene's Grill (The Tinker Tavern), with wife Irene. Seldom would a day pass without mention of his love for her, her aptitude for dance or her infectious personality. He would spend his time outside of the grill tending to a growing dynamite business (DuPont Explosives). Also during that time Gene and Irene would establish Rainbow Brook Farms, a family run dairy in Lowville. This property remains in the family today as the residence of great-niece Dr. Lindsey Peck, DVM and family.

Gene also served for many years as an elected official, Councilman, in Martinsburg. His wisdom and judgment was respected by all who knew him . After thirty years of dairy farming, having raised three beautiful daughters and serving their community (she as assessor of Martinsburg), Gene and Irene retired to Zephyrhills, Florida to the citrus grove parents Walter and Mary B. Marks founded in 1956. Gene lost his beloved Irene to cancer in 1995. He never remarried, and never stopped talking about his love for her. Their love is a true example of what marriage ought to be. Over the next twenty years he would dedicate his time to his farm, family and becoming a mentor and friend too many.

In 2012 his pride and joy, grandson Zachary Taylor moved to Zephyrhills Florida to help work the family grove. Gene was able to play an active role in farm operations and enjoy his labors for most of his earthly days. He was immensely proud of all of his family, and shared a bond with his only grandson who he was proud to have been closely involved with in raising. As a father, uncle and grandfather he stressed the importance of hard work and early mornings. Gene was no-nonsense and although he may have been stern at times, it was not uncommon for him to greet you by banging pots and pans together or asking "how does a mother woodchuck kiss her baby?" quickly followed by his rough hands rubbing up and down your face from forehead to chin, covering you in your own spit, before you could muster an answer. He was also known to set up inflatable dinosaurs for Zachary to 'hunt' in the lot and found great pleasure in watching his youngest granddaughter, Addie, dance. In the wake of his passing, it is the wish of the family that everyone plays a game of euchre, remembers and share memories of this great patriarch. Would you like to share stories or sympathies you may reach the family at 6368 Putnam St. , St. Augustine , FL 32080 .

He is survived by his brother Walter, faithful dog Lucy, two daughters, Anna Marks, Tracy Markham,   (both of St. Augustine, Florida), three grandchildren, Zachary Taylor (27) , Catherine Marks (26) and Adeline Markham(20), and great granddaughter,  Elliott Najarian, brother-in-law and wife, Bill and Emily McGee, brother-in-law and wife, Herbert and Cris McGee, and sister-in-laws, Catherine Palsho, Evelyn Moonan, nieces; Jackie Peck, Minnette Thisse, Cheryl Saydjari, Elizabeth McGee, Erin McGee Purul, Carrie McGee Diana, Kelly McGee Williams, Sandy Duval, Susan Hipple, Cathy Palsho, Joanne Palsho, Carrie Summers, Laura Marks-McDonald, nephews; William Marks, Vincent Marks, Reggie Marks, Mitchell Marks, Wyatt Marks, William McGee, Charles Palsho, John Moonan, Jim Moonan, Bill Moonan, Christopher McGee.

Gene will be put to rest next to the love of his life at the Turin Cemetery on Saturday September 10th, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. , with military honors. Reception will follow at the home of Dave and Jackie Peck.