Eugene “Gene” Small

Eugene “Gene” Small

Dec. 15, 1931June 22, 2022

LTC (Ret) Eugene “Gene” Fleming Small was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, August 30. Eligibility for in-ground burial at Arlington National Cemetery is the most stringent of all U.S. national cemeteries . Gene was born on December 15, 1931, in Cordell, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Aileen Small and his sister, Judy Bell. He was the grandson of G.A.W. and Louise Fleming, longtime Cordell residents who also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Eva Maria Small of Huntsville, Alabama; son and daughter- in-law, Stephen and Brandy Small of Exeter, New Hampshire; and two grandchildren, Ella and Nicholas Small of Exeter, New Hampshire.

Gene enjoyed over ninety years on this earth. He grew up in New Mexico then served 27 years in the U. S. Army. While serving, he met wonderful life-long friends, and the love of his life. After retiring from the military in 1977, they moved to Huntsville where they raised Stephen. After retiring from a second career, Gene and Eva cruised the world together.

In recent years he enjoyed spending time with his young grandchildren, Ella and Nicholas. Together, they built rockets, played games, and enjoyed M & M’s. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He was an amazing military officer, husband, father, opa, and friend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gene’s honor to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (gifts.mdanderson.org).

Grandchildren Ella and Nicholas Small of Exeter, N.H., admire the now-folded flag that had covered their grandfather’s coffin.