Gene Thomas Pemberton Jr.

Gene Thomas Pemberton Jr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 4, 2022. Gene’s family and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ were the most important things in his life, and we rejoice with him in the fact that “for by grace he was saved through faith, not of himself, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. His wife of 44 years, Karla Sue (Erickson) Pemberton, and his three children, Sharon McKeeman, Mark Pemberton, and David Pemberton; seven grandchildren, Aaron, David, Jeremiah, and Joy McKeeman; Henry, Annelise, and Ella Pemberton; son-in-law, Jesse McKeeman; daughter-in-law, Chrissa Pemberton; brother, Bill Pemberton; and sister, Cindy Schroeder, will dearly miss him and eagerly look forward to their reunion in heaven. Gene was preceded in homecoming by his mother, Juanita Pemberton, his father Col. Gene Thomas Pemberton, and precious grandchildren who have already gone home to be with the Lord. Gene was born on October 14, 1954, at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. He spent many of his early years overseas on Air Force bases, where he shared in many adventures with his family. Throughout his school years, he excelled at basketball, baseball, cross-country, track, skiing, and tennis. Gene graduated from Wichita East High School in 1972, earned an undergraduate degree from Emporia State University in 1977, and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty University in 2008. After trusting Jesus Christ as his Savior during college, Gene moved from Kansas with his young family to spread the gospel and plant churches in Bloomington, Indiana, where he lived ever since. Gene worked professionally in graphic design, and in his spare time, he designed and completed countless projects on his home. Gene celebrated retirement from Kodak in September 2020. He studied the Bible fervently, memorizing large passages of Scripture including Psalm 119 and the entire books of Philippians and Colossians. Gene would often say, “Don’t just memorize the well-known verse; include the one before and after. Everyone knows John 3:16, but have you noticed John 3:17?” Gene and Karla most recently attended Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, VA, while on an extended visit with their sons. Wherever his travels took him, Gene served the Church through leadership, music ministry, teaching youth and adult Sunday School classes, and constructing sets for church plays. Gene’s grandchildren loved him dearly and crowned him DaddyGramz, Pop Pop, and Grandpa. To them he was a worthy chess opponent, basketball player, book reader, tree chopper, waffle maker, ice cream eater, sea dragon, and tickle monster. Throughout his life, Gene was a keeper of the Truth. If he could leave you with one statement, it would be this: “For I know that my Redeemer Lives.” (Job 19:25) January 16, 2022 at 2pm a Memorial and Worship Service will be held in honor of Gene at Day Funeral Home in Bloomington, IN. Visitation will proceed the service from 12-1:45. January 19th, Gene will be laid to rest in Cameron, MO. Further tribute to Gene can be found at www.genepemberton.com