Edward “Gene” Eugene McWhirter, 81, of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospital.
Gene was born on June 22, 1941, in Newton, the son of Robert Wilson and Lillian (Robinett) McWhirter. Growing up Gene would help his father on the farm, which sparked his lifelong interest. He graduated from Baxter High School in 1959 and continued his education at the University of Iowa. Gene moved to Fort Madison and was a partner in H&M Chevrolet Olds. On November 1, 1969, Gene was united in marriage to Kathie Elliott in Newton. The couple moved to Mount Pleasant in 1972, and Gene opened McWhirter Chevrolet Buick shortly after. He enjoyed gardening, field trials, and attending auctions. Gene was a jack of all trades, he was an auctioneer, private pilot, bought and sold farm machinery for many years and loved his fishing trips to Canada. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Iowa Automobile Dealers Association, National Automobile Dealers Association and attended the First Presbyterian Church.
Gene is survived by his wife Kathie, son Matthew of Washington, daughter Melissa (Phil) Peitz of Donnellson; five grandchildren, William and Lauren McWhirter, Allison, Abigail and Andrew Peitz; siblings Phyllis Ballard of Newton, Sharon (Tom) DeWitt of Rogersville, MO, Linda McWhirter of Newton, Laurie (James) Davis of Avalon, NJ, and Ben (Mariea) Bucklin of Baxter, many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Dean, sister Carolyn Ankeny, nephews Brian McWhirter and Tim Ballard.
Visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday, June 30, 2022, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. The family will not be present. A private family service will be held. A memorial fund has been established for the Mount Pleasant Community School District Foundation – FFA. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Gene and his family.