Brother Gene Proffer

Pastor Gene Proffer, at age 100, affectionately known as Brother Gene, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born September 14, 1926, in Burfordville, Missouri, to Elvis L. and Dorothy “Mills” Proffer.

Gene, a World War II veteran, proudly served in the United States Navy attaining the rank of Seaman First Class.

Following his military service, he devoted his life to Christian ministry, serving as pastor of Mountain View Mission Church in Marquand, Missouri, and Bell Gardens Church in Bell Gardens, California. He also assisted with ministry at Faith Family Church. His outreach included prison ministries, tent revivals throughout the country, and missionary work in Belize, Jamaica, and Haiti. He was especially dedicated to Laguna Village in Belize, where he helped build and support a school for local children.

Gene also owned and operated The Vacuum House in Park Hills, Missouri, for more than 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvis L. and Dorothy “Mills” Proffer; his first wife, Thelma Proffer; his second wife, Eva Proffer; son, Steve Proffer; grandson, Tyler Proffer; brothers, Elvis L. and Robert Proffer; sister, Donna Farmer; an infant sibling; and son-in-law, Denny Sitze.

Survivors include his children, Rick Proffer and wife Debra, Candi Sitze, and Pastor Buck Proffer and wife Janice; 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 9, 2026, at 1:00 P.M at Faith Family Church in Fredericktown, Missouri, followed by funeral services at 2 P.M. Burial will follow at Marcus Memorial Cemetery in Fredericktown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Family Church, designated for Laguna Village in Belize to support the missionary and educational work that was especially dear to Gene’s heart.

Brother Gene will be remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to family, and lifelong commitment to serving others.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21