Eugene Donald (Gene) Bode, 75, of Harper, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at Canterbury Court Nursing Home in Harlingen.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. at Lighthouse Fellowship Church in Harper with interment following in the Harper Community Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville where visitation was held Friday evening, Jan. 16.
Bode was a lifelong Harper resident, born March 25, 1939, the son of Floy B. Bode and Virginia Bode.
He began working at Bode Feed and Supply when he was a young boy and later purchased the business from his father.
He was an active member of the Exotic Wildlife Association and the Texas Wildlife Association for many years.
Over the years, he was involved in community activities in Harper. He supported the school with fundraisers, helped initiate the town’s water supply system and followed in his father’s footsteps caring for the Harper Community Cemetery.
Bode also served on the boards of numerous associations.
Bode is survived by his wife of 28 years, Margaret Bode; three daughters, two sons and spouses, including Julie and Mark Hattier, Janel and David Oldham, Dale and Cyndie Murden, Jenna Murden, and Stephen and Staci Murden.
Survivors also include seven grandchildren; his mother, Virginia Bode, and a sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Jorge Notario.
Bode’s father preceded him in death.
Memorials may be made to the Harper Community Cemetery, Lighthouse Fellowship Church or Harper Volunteer Fire Department and EMS.