Gene H Archer

Gene Harlow Archer

Gene Harlow Archer, 86 of Zolfo Springs, Fl passed away on September 21, 2018 in Sebring, FL.  Gene was born in Rochelle, IL, March 6, 1932 to William (Bill) and L. Ione (Olson) Archer.  He married Ardis K. Nevins, daughter of Floyd and Hilda (Mable Schreck, step-mother) Nevins on June 14, 1952 at the Paw Paw Methodist Church.  He graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1950.  During high school he had a 6 piece Orchestra that played at dances in several of the area towns.  After graduating he owned a restaurant in Compton until he enlisted in the Air Force, December, 1951.  While in the USAF he spent a year at a Radar site on Baffin Island, NWT, Canada where he enjoyed operating a 40’ boat and fishing with the Eskimos while off duty and obtained some nice souvenirs at the trading post.  After leaving the Air Force he farmed for 20 years and during that time he was an agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.  He was a licensed pilot and owned his own Cessna 182 for several years.  In 1974 he moved to Naples, Florida where he became a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator and Communications Officer in Emergency Management.  He received a diploma from the National Radio Institute with FCC License, a Real Estate Broker and later worked as a Supervisor in the School Transportation Dept.  He retired in 1994 and moved to Zolfo Springs, FL.  He was a Past Master of Brooklyn Masonic Lodge #282 at Compton, ILL., now merged with Lee Center Lodge #146 and a 50 year member.  He was a member of Star of Rochelle Chapter #1030, Eastern Star Rochelle, ILL., Freeport Consistory and was Treasurer of the Compton Methodist Church for several years, Past Commander of the American Legion Post at Compton and Chairman of the Lee County Selective Service Board.  He was a member of the St. John United Methodist Church, Sebring and Past President of the Highlands County Model Railroad Club where he served as Secretary and Module Co-ordinator for over 20 years and a member of the NRA.  Survived by his wife Ardis of 66 years, one daughter; Roxie L. Lawson of Sebring, one grandson; John E. Vawter Jr. (Kayla), one Great Grandson; William Gene (Will), two brothers; Richard “Dick” Archer of Naples, Fl. and Ramon “Bud” (Arlene) Archer of Mendota, ILL.  And several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  Internment at Melugin Grove Cemetery, Compton, ILL at a later date.  Memorials in Gene’s name to Compton Methodist Church or the Humane Society.

Arrangements entrusted to:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

4001 Sebring Parkway

Sebring, FL 33870

Online condolences may be left at:

www.stephensonnelsonfh.com