Gene Arnold Steen died Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at Merit Health-Central Mississippi Medical Center. He was 86.

A native and lifelong resident of Vicksburg, he was the son of the late Plaz and Cleo Steen. He was a graduate of Jett High School and worked as a pipefitter and was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 619. He was a Gideon and an ordained minister. He served as chaplain for Hospice Ministries and was a member of Red Lick Baptist Church in Lorman. He never met a stranger.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Rule Steen; and his siblings, Fay Steen Jacks, Rea Steen Dubuisson, Bill Steen, Leo Steen, Betty Steen Gillis and Dorothy “Dede” Stallings.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Southerland Steen; his daughter, Peggy Steen Polley (Edward); a step-son, Paul Southerland (Marlene); twin sister, Jane Kennedy; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and granddogs.

Services will be Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 1830 Cherry St. in Vicksburg. Dr. Charles Gammill will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 PM until the hour of service. Interment will follow in Yokena Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Brown, Les Southerland, Hunter Cook, Woody Cain, Edward Polley, and Kelly Kavanaugh.