Retired Chief Petty Officer Farrel "Gene" Dame, 86, of Shiloh, Illinois passed away September 12, 2023 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, O'Fallon, Illinois.  Gene grew up on a farm in Southern Illinois and was known for being a sharpshooter as a young teenager.  He graduated from Waltonville High School and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, where he met the love of his life Barbara "Bobbi" Seip; they were married on November 30, 1957 in Thebes, Illinois.

Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956 and served over 20 years as an electrical engineer in the submarine service.  He retired from the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hancock, CV/CVA-19 in 1976.  After his retirement from the Navy, he began his career with ARAMCO Oil Refinery, Saudia Arabia and the oil fields in Texas.

In addition to his interesting career choices, Gene had several intriguing hobbies, including glassblowing, hiking and exploring.  He loved outdoors and nature.  He and Bobbi were fortunate to travel the world and experience and learn various cultures.  He was an avid reader and enjoyed researching all types of history.

He was preceded in death by his parents Warden and Marjorie (White) Dame.

Gene is survived by his wife Bobbi Dame of Shiloh, Illinois, his brother Keith (Jacqueline) of St. Jacob, Illinois; sister-in-law Phyllis Schnaare of Huntsville, Alabama, nieces and nephews, Michele (Jim) Huschle, Michael (Christy) Dame, Lisa Schnaare, Robert Pinder, Raymond Pinder, Rodney Seip, Richard Cheramie, and Roger Cote.

In memory of Gene, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital (information available at the funeral home).  Please sign guest book at funeral home or online at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

You are invited to join the family for visitation and to share stories from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Monday, September 18, 2023 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, Illinois.  The funeral procession will depart the funeral home promptly at 12:45 pm for a graveside service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered.