Eugene Phagan, 83

Published 12:00 am Monday, January 4, 2010

Eugene H. Phagan, 83, of Greeley, Colo., and Mission, Texas, died Dec. 25, 2009.
Mr. Phagan was born to Carl and Grace (McQueen) Phagan at rural Lyman, Neb., on May 23, 1926. He attended rural Signal Butte School through the eighth grade. He attended Morrill High School for two years and Lyman High School for two years, where he graduated in 1945. Mr. Phagan farmed with his father until September 1947. He moved to Denver, Colo., where he attended Barnes School of Commerce. On April 2, 1949, he married Dorothy J. (Purintun) Lindquist in Denver. In 1953, they moved from Denver to rural Nebraska so Mr. Phagan could once again farm with his father. In February of 1955, the couple and their family moved to Clarks Grove where they farmed until 1984. After retiring from farming, the couple opened a satellite and hobby store in Albert Lea. In October of 1989, they retired and moved to Greeley, Colo., to be near family. They spent many winters in Mission, Texas, where they made a number of wonderful friends. Papa Gene will be remembered for his wonderful flower and vegetable gardens and his love of camping and the outdoors. Mr. Phagan often commented after retiring from farming that he “sure missed his John Deere tractor.”
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of Greeley; three sons: Charles (Becky) of Greeley, Colo., Jim (Betty) of Grand Prairie, Texas, Tim (Geri) of Eaton, Colo. Also survived by grandchildren: Jenny Phagan, North Hollywood, Calif., Mindy (David) Medick, Boston, Mass., Sarah Phagan (Jason Black), Grand Prairie, Texas, Troy (Dawnita) Phagan, Laurie (Ryan) Alles, Mike Franks all of Greeley; Jason Franks of Evans, Colo., Tony (Chris) Ft. Riley, Kan.; great-grandchildren: Jessica Mead, Chloe Phagan, Shelby, Reece and Zane Alles all of Greeley; Zack and Bryce Franks of Ft. Riley, Kan.; Garrett and Jonathan Franks of Evans, Colo.; Scraine and Kyrah Griffin of LaSalle, Colo.; a sister, Bea Russell of Odessa, Texas, and a brother, Bob Phagan of Gillette, Wyo.
Preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Joan Lowry; and a brother, Carroll Phagan.
Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 2515 16th St., Greeley, CO 80631.
Cremation by Northern Colorado Crematory of Greeley.