Charles Eugene "Gene" Eakle

Charles Eugene “Gene” Eakle, 85, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1941, near Leitersburg, Maryland, and grew up in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, the son of Charles Wayne Eakle and Marceil Waters Eakle. On November 16, 1962, Gene married the love of his life, Beverly Hodgson, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and devotion to those they loved.

Gene dedicated much of his professional life to aviation. He enjoyed a distinguished career with Ozark Airlines as a pilot before advancing to Chief Pilot, where he mentored, supervised, and guided countless pilots throughout his career. After Ozark Airlines was acquired, Gene finished his flying career with TWA. Following his retirement from the airlines, he remained devoted to aviation and was especially proud of his work as a flight instructor with FlightSafety International, where he continued sharing his knowledge, experience, and passion for flying with the next generation of aviators. Flying was more than a profession—it was a calling that shaped his life and left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him. That passion for aviation did not fall far from the tree, as both of his sons and all of his grandsons followed in his footsteps and became pilots, carrying on his legacy in the skies.

Gene is survived by his sons, David (Shannon) Eakle of Sarasota, Florida, and Darin (Amy) Eakle of St. Louis, Missouri; his brother, Don (Judy) Eakle of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Mary, Christopher (Madison), Brian (Jacquelyn), Janie, Andrew, Lindsey, Shelby, and Kara Eakle; his step-grandchildren, Nichole (Matt) Rave, Connor Sheehan, Kennedy (Patrick) Naour, and Meghan Sheehan; and his beloved great-grandchildren, James, Maeve, Sadie and 3 on the way.

Gene will be remembered for his steady presence, quiet strength, generosity, and deep love for his family. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering character will remain a lasting legacy to all who knew and loved him.

Though our hearts are saddened by his passing, we find comfort in the memories Gene leaves behind and in knowing that he has completed his final flight and arrived safely home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum at Creve Coeur Airport, 14301 Creve Coeur Airport Road, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63146, in honor of Gene’s lifelong passion for aviation and his dedication to preserving the history and spirit of flight.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Collier Funeral Home in St. Ann, Missouri, on Thursday, July 2, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be private.