Eugene Mayo

(From Parker Mortuary)

Eugene "Blue" Mayo, age 68 of Joplin, passed away at 7:19 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Freeman West Hospital.

Born January 6, 1947 in Joplin, he was the son of Richard Ashley "Bill" Mayo and Loretta (Allen) Mayo and lived in Joplin his lifetime. A concrete finisher all of his working life, he loved his work and took pride in it. He was a member of and local business agent for the former Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' Union.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Ada (Mayfield) and Edward Allen; Bertha (Morris) Mayo Carrico and Galen Mayo; and mother-in-law, Phyllis (Thornton) Starchman.

On September 25, 1971 he married "my girl" Sharon Lee Starchman in Joplin. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Rebecca (Mayo) and husband Dr. Randall Rohmiller, Paula (Starchman) and husband Eddie Briley, all of Carl Junction; his mother, Loretta Mayo; two sisters, Linda Mayo, Wanda (Mayo) and husband Harold Williams; four grandchildren, Brendan Berliew, Conner Rohmiller, Shelby and Devin Blankenship; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Pete, Mark and Aaron Box, Travis Starchman, Amanda Madl, Shelly Ames and Lane Starchman; father-in-law, Vearl Starchman; brothers-in-law, Dean and wife Connie Starchman, Darrell and wife Beth Starchman.

Some of Eugene's friends and co-workers called him "Blue". That nickname originated when Eugene was a child growing up in Joplin's East Town. Another little boy in the neighborhood could not pronounce Eugene's name correctly, so he called Eugene "Blue Jean". It was later shortened to "Blue".

Eugene enjoyed spending time with and caring for his wife, daughters, and grandchildren; going fishing with his nephews, friends and grandsons; and visiting with his many, many friends.

With a twinkle in his eyes, Eugene would "gripe" at everyone, particularly those he liked and loved, keeping them in line. He was funny, amusing, original, and always had a quick, witty response.

When his grandmothers knew that Eugene was headed home, they started cooking, preparing for a joyous family reunion. (And, Jesus wrote out a list, to hand Eugene, of the best fishing holes in Heaven.)

Simply, Eugene was a good man: he loved and is loved.

A celebration of Eugene's life will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday at Parker Chapel with Rev. Phil Erwin officiating and nephew Pete Box participating. Interment will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Randy Rohmiller, Mark and Aaron Box, Devin Blankenship, Brendan Berliew and Conner Rohmiller serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to First Gospel Workers' Church.