Gene was born on August 27, 1947, in Summerfield, Oklahoma, to Covina (Blake) Shackelford and Harmon Eugene Shackelford.
Gene was a true outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, and hunting. He was a master machinist and proudly worked at Gerdau for 35 years. He enjoyed hosting pool parties at his home and spending time with family and friends. Gene had a generous heart and loved his daughters-in-law and sons-in-law as his own. He was a foster parent who cared deeply for others and cherished every moment with his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Jarnagin; daughters, Lynn Perryman of Cameron, Oklahoma, and Michelle Julstead and husband Karl of Cameron, Oklahoma; sons, Cody Shackelford and wife Melissa of Lavaca, Arkansas, and Clayton Shackelford and wife Tracey of Cameron, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Debbie Shackelford; ten grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; brothers, Dennis Shackelford and Dwayne Shackelford; and sisters, Lucendia Stamper and husband Rick, and Scottie Shackelford.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wilma Darlene Shackelford; his son, James Lee Shackelford; his son-in-law, Robert Perryman; and his brother, Leonard Shackelford.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, Oklahoma.
You may leave an online message at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.
