DONALD 'GENE' DITTO, age 79, a resident of East Prairie, died Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

He was born May 18, 1942, in New Madrid County, MO, to the late Paul Julius Ditto and Ruth Viola Bolden Ditto and was the oldest of 11 children.  Following service to his country in the U.S. Army, he returned to East Prairie. Gene worked for Mr. Tom Ferrell at Ferrell's Grocery in East Prairie and later in the logging business. He was employed with the Shell Station and has also delivered fuel for Hutter Oil at Sikeston.

In 1966, he began his career in the flooring industry, later owning and operating Ditto Flooring,  until his death.

A lifelong member of the Gospel Assembly Church in East Prairie, he served this congregation in many capacities until the church closed.  He then attended the Gospel Assembly Church at Dexter.

His hometown of East Prairie was foremost in his life.  Always looking for a way to serve his community and those in need, Gene served East Prairie a number of terms as both mayor and as alderman. He was honored as Man of the Year.

On October 20, 1961, he married Florence Myra "Flo" Yarbrough, who preceded him in death on August 28, 2011.

Surviving are his daughter and son in law, Angie and Steve Runnerstrom of the Dogwood Community; his brothers and sisters, Charles Ditto; Jimmy Ditto, Sandra Ruth Ditto, and Sharon (Henry) Johnson; his sisters in law, Karen Humphreys Ditto and Pat Ditto; also, a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Donnie J. Ditto, John Ditto, Freddie Ditto, Linsey Ditto, Joyce Ditto and Goldie Thomas.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston where funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 9, 2021.  Mike Johnson, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery with full military honors.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com .

Memorials may be made to: Teen Challenge, 303 Matc Lane, Cape Girardeau, MO or to the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St., Cape Girardeau 63701.