Donald "Gene" Brothers

Donald "Gene" Brothers, 78, of Marshalltown, IA, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, November 25, 2018. Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Iowa River Church of the Brethren, 2013 Wallace Avenue, Marshalltown. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at Anderson Funeral Homes, 405 West Main Street in Marshalltown. Inurnment will be in Iowa River Cemetery. Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com. Gene was born on October 21, 1940, in Marshalltown to Gerald and Edna (Fitzgerald) Brothers where he was a lifelong resident. He grew up on a farm East of Marshalltown and attended school in LeGrand, IA, graduating from LDF High School in 1958. Gene distinguished himself in Future Farmers of America, but it was his love of cars that became his lifelong passion. Upon graduation, he began work at Thompson's DX until he was able to open his own fuel/service station -- Gene's Skelly -- on the corner of S. 3rd Avenue and Linn St. Gene's Skelly was also the sponsor of a 16" slow pitch s...[more]

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ball team, which was a great joy to Gene, and led to friendships that lasted a lifetime. In the early 80s, Gene's Skelly gave way to D&E Auto, with a focus on used car service and sales. After trying a few locations, the business settled on the corner of N. 3rd Avenue and Riverside Dr. Gene owned this business with his son and best friend, Tim, until his retirement, when Tim carried on the business. After the passing of his parents, he returned to live at the farm where he grew up, growing crops and raising livestock, more as a hobby than a career, but rekindling a passion from his youth. In 1963, Gene married Linda Shaffer, and together they raised three children. Although their marriage ended in 1979, they remained great friends until her passing. Gene led a life filled with humor and compassion, always quick with a joke, and as quick with a helping hand to anyone in need. Gene is survived by his children: Tim (Teal) Brothers of Liscomb, IA, Kendall (Brad) Brothers Burr of Overland Park, KS, Cathy (Matt) Brothers Routien of Pontiac, IL; grandchildren: Katrena Gillis, Tisha Zink, Travis Grammar, Isaac and Avery Burr, Naomi, Leah, Joanna, Lizzy, and Javon Routien, Markell Aves, ReShaun and ReQuan Harrington, and Ranae Williams; and great grandchildren: Raven Forbes and Tim Leake. He is also survived by brothers Jerry (Mary Lou) Brothers and James (Teddi) Brothers, all of rural Marshalltown. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Edna Brothers.