Gene Maley

Gene Anthony Maley, 85, of Auburn, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Monday, June 22, 2026, at Eastland Retirement Community. Gene was born September 18, 1940, in Springfield, IL, the son of Anton and Jennie (Leonard) Maley. He married Mary Gilmore on October 13, 1962.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Mary Maley of Auburn; their daughter, Beth (Mike) Hopkins of Springfield, IL; four grandchildren, Ryan (Megan) Crissey of Springfield, IL, Sean (Lyndsey) Crissey of Rochester, IL, and Megan Crissey of Peoria, IL; and Zach (Stephanie) Hopkins of Springfield, IL; his brother, Gary (Kim) Maley of Petersburg, IL; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Michelle.

Gene graduated from Auburn High School, class of 1958. He worked in Springfield after high school at A.W. Sikking appliance store. He then went to work for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation. He retired there after working for over 34 years. After retirement, he met Bill Ferry and became the funeral home’s right-hand man. Occasionally you would see him greeting people for funerals/visitations or driving the hearse for Bill. They became best friends throughout the years. He was known to be dedicated, loyal, and reliable around the funeral home for 27 years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and 4th Degree. He founded the Holy Cross Council and served as the first Grand Knight. Gene also held several State positions with the Knights of Columbus. Gene was a lifetime member of Holy Cross Catholic Parish in Auburn, IL. His great-grandchildren could always count on Grandpa for his suckers in his pocket.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at Holy Cross Parish Center in Auburn, IL. A prayer service will begin at 4:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Holy Cross Parish Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Auburn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Parish or to the Auburn Food Pantry.