Roger Gene Pogue, age 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 12, 2024 at his home in Clinton, Missouri.
Roger Gene Pogue was born July 23, 1943 at General Hospital in Clinton, Missouri. He was the son of Loyd and Maggie (McMillian) Pogue. Gene was a graduate of the Clinton High School Class of 1961. On April 7, 1963 Gene married his wife of 61 years, Linda Kay (Stewart) Pogue. He farmed the family farm after high school until he was elected County Clerk in 1986. He was a member of the Missouri National Guard, served as County President for the Henry County Farm Bureau, was a member of and actively involved in the Agricultural Appreciation Program. He also collaborated with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce to establish the first Farmers Appreciation Dinner.
In 1986, Gene was elected as the Henry County Clerk and served 6 terms until 2010. During his 6 terms Gene had a significant impact on the community and county. He established a Youth Election Authority program and outreach to the local High Schools for youth involvement in the election process and voter registration. He also founded the Henry County Economic Development Council and was instrumental in establishing the rural water districts in Henry County. Gene lobbied state legislatures for the county employee retirement fund. He was instrumental in the establishment of the 911 system in rural counties. Gene was also responsible for securing funding for the Benson Center, Courthouse sidewalks and street lamps. In addition, he applied for and was awarded millions of dollars in federal and state private grants to improve the lives of the people of Henry County. Working along with federal and state legislators and the MO Department of Transportation, he contributed to the extension of U HWY. Gene was a member of several associations including: Missouri Associate of County Clerks and Election Authorities, MO Community Betterment and MO Arts Council, served on the board and was President of the Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), a board member and President of the National Association of Counties, member of the Clinton Elks Lodge #1034 and Sunrise Optimist Club.
Gene played little league through Legion and Ban Johnson leagues in his youth, then transitioned to baseball/fast pitch softball until he was too old to keep swinging and running. He coached his son’s Little League-Babe Ruth baseball teams until Todd went to High School. Family was very important to Gene. He loved to hear about what his kids and grandkids were doing and all their adventures. He loved learning about their lives, following their sports activities, and hearing about their school or careers. He was proud of all his kids and grandkids. He cherished family gatherings when everyone was together.
Proceeding Gene in death are his parents, Loyd and Maggie Pogue, and a brother, Ray Pogue.
Survivors include his wife Linda Pogue of the home, children; Todd Pogue (Janette) grandchildren, Andy Pogue and Alaina Lankford (Jack); daughter Terri Robinson (Rann) grandchildren, Haley Robinson Staggs (Jordan), great-grandson Kolsen, and Hannah, Zack & Kara, as well as his brother, Dale Pogue (Carol).
Memorial services were held July 23, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Rev. Nancy Gillard officiating. Special music included “America the Beautiful.” Inurnment was in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
