Eugene "Gene" Van Aernam

September 19, 1939 - June 9, 2018

Eugene “Gene” Van Aernam, 78, of Old Town, Florida, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Gene was born September 19, 1939 in Stuart, Iowa. He lived most of his life in Dixie County where he was a logger, tractor salesman and the owner and operator of Gene Van Aernam Trucking. He formerly served 2 terms on the Dixie County School Board. He enjoyed serving the Lord and was a member of Salt Creek Baptist Church. He spent several years in Franklin, NC at his cabin that he loved. His passion in life was serving the Lord by helping others. He was taught to play the harmonica by his grandfather and enjoyed playing and singing with his sons. He loved everyone and was loved by everyone. Gene is survived by his wife Shirley Van Aernam; sons, Frankie Van Aernam (Tammie), Wayne-o Van Aernam (Karen) and Kimbo Van Aernam (Katrina), all of Cross City, FL; step-sons, Clint Johnson (Jennifer), David Welch (Anna) and Joseph Glenn Welch (Teresa); step-daughters, Pam Pate (Lewis), Toma Michael (Gregory), Dana Corbin (Kenny) and Lynda Kinsey (Dale); brother Jack Van Aernam (JoAnn) of Old Town; sister Karen Coons (Gene) of Cross City; 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 11:00AM at New Prospect Baptist Church with Rev. Gene Coons, Rev. Jason Jones and Rev. Everette Hicks officiating. Interment will follow at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening, June 12, 2018, at Rick Gooding Funeral Home between the hours of 6 and 8pm. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Homes Cross City, Florida 352-498-5400 and Chiefland, Florida 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com