Donald Eugene “Gene” Dugan, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away after a long illness on June 12, 2026, at the age of 87.
Gene was born on Dec. 18, 1938, in Gravette, Arkansas, to Robert and Gladys (Harris) Dugan. He spent his youth on the family farm, attended school in Gravette.
He began his career at the family-owned Gravette Shelling Plant. Later, he served briefly as an EMT in Benton County, Arkansas, where he gained a wealth of stories he would share for years to come. During this time, he joined the Masonic Lodge and was a proud 32nd degree mason. In 1972, Gene began what would become his lifelong career with the Kansas City Southern Railroad as a track laborer in Siloam Springs, AR, and Neosho, MO. In 1982, he accepted a position as a welder in Pittsburg. He eventually advanced to Welding Foreman, a role from which he retired in 1998. Known affectionately as “the Railroader” by family and friends, Gene took great pride in his work and the life he built.
Though he spent many years in Kansas and Missouri, Gene remained an Arkansas boy at heart. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life — country music, good food, an even better sermon and cheering on his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Gene was a member of South Broadway Baptist Church in Pittsburg, KS. He was a devoted Christian who loved his Lord and remained faithful throughout his life.
On April 3, 1981, Gene married JoAnn Dibble in Miami, Oklahoma. In 1983, they made their home in Mindenmines, Missouri, where they built a life grounded in hard work, loyalty, and deep love for family. Whether it was serving on the city council or playing Santa Claus during the holidays, Gene was always serving others. His most important role was devoted “Papa,” always supporting and cheering on his grandchildren in all their life adventures. His steadfast love and support for his family never wavered.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Grover and Bobby Dugan, sister, Mary Lou Ritter and grandson Alexander Dugan.
Gene is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn; seven children: Jeannette Dugan of Las Vegas, NV; Daniel Dugan of Las Vegas, NV; Laura (Keith) Snyderman of Cedar Hill, MO; Philip Dugan of Centerton, AR; Latisha (Steve) Potter of Mindenmines, MO; David (Jackie) Dugan of Franklin, KS; and Ryan (Jennifer) Dugan of Arcadia, KS; along with thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Papa will be deeply missed by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with a special note of gratitude to his grandson and granddaughter, Kyle and Samantha Mayfield, whose tireless support and care allowed him to remain comfortably at home as long as he did.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 18, 6 to 8 p.m. at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg. Graveside services will be Friday, June 19, 11 a.m. at Lee Cemetery in Gravette, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help offset medical/funeral expenses. Contributions may be sent to: Bath Naylor Funeral Home, In Memory of Gene Dugan, 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com.
