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Submitted: 8/7/17 • Approved: 10/18/19 • Last Updated: 10/21/19 • R1189540-G0-S3
AVIATION CADET US Air Force
February 27, 1928 - September 18, 2016
Eugene John Post, Sr, 88, of Altus, Arkansas passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 18, 2016, of complications from a bacterial infection that entered his bloodstream and affected his heart. Surrounded by family, he was in St Mary’s Hospital,Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, where he had been flown by private plane by his grandson-in-law John Rausch for emergency treatment two weeks prior to his death. Eugene was born February 27, 1928, to James Mathew and Agnes Mary Sax Post in Altus, 7th of 9 children. His grandparents were Joseph and Katherine Camenzind Post and Alfred and Mary Elser Sax. He was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church and attended St Mary’s School through the 8th grade. He graduated from Subiaco Academy in Subiaco, Arkansas in 1946 and then attended the University of St Louis. In 1948, he was recruited into the first Aviation Cadet Pilot Training class held by the newly formed US Air Force at Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas. He loved flying, especially his solo trips. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he returned home to help his father at the winery and to attend the University of Arkansas. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1952. On October 17, 1953 he married Peggy Jane Murray, the daughter of Russell and Margaret Murray.
They had 8 children, 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. In 1956, at the age of 28, Eugene opened Mount Bethel Winery in the cellars that had been built by his grandparents, Joseph and Katherine “Ma” Post, and where his family’s winemaking began in the late 1800’s. For the past 60 years, he worked the vineyards, orchards, and winery with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was especially known for his elderberry wine, which he processed almost entirely by hand and mostly on his own. He did not miss a season, including this year’s crop, which he personally managed until just before his death. He was known by many for his brilliant mind and extensive knowledge, and for his 7-day a week work ethic prompting the assertion that even a 30-year old could not keep up. He was a magnet to children and dogs, both keenly aware of his unconditional love. He always believed that for children to learn to be happy and fruitful in life, the adults around them had to include them and had to demonstrate and live their values, not just talk about them.
The round oak table in his kitchen was always surrounded by family, where all shared their views, their experiences, their knowledge, their concerns—forging bonds that have kept every family member cognizant of the fact that his or her actions affect every other one and thus must always be honorable and consistent with family values. Eugene was a Justice of the Peace for Franklin County for 42 years, and he continued to advise and support his daughter Mary Jane Cains, when she was elected to the position he vacated in 1999. He worked tirelessly for the good of the people in the county. Eugene served on the Board of Directors of the Franklin County Farmers Association “the Co-op” for 27 years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and he served as Secretary of the organization for 20 years. He was a member of St Mary’s Church all his life, and he served on the Parish Council and other positions over the years. Besides growing fruit and making wine, he loved raising, cracking, and sharing his pecans.He managed beehives, and extracting the honey was an all-hands-on deck family activity with him at the center. He enjoyed deer hunting, horse racing, dancing, and taking care of the thoroughbred race horses that he helped raise in the fields around Mount Bethel Winery. Mostly, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, to whom he was much-adored Grandad.
Eugene is survived by his wife Peggy; sons Eugene Post, Jr and wife Lori of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Dr Michael Post and wife Kasey of Altus, Arkansas; Robert Post and wife Lynda of Greenwood, Arkansas; daughters Deborah Post Ramey and husband Cliff of Ozark, Arkansas; Mary Jane Post Cains and husband Bill of Altus, Arkansas; Linda Post of Altus, Arkansas; Janet Post Emigh and husband Kim of Rowlett, Texas, and Peggy Ann Post of Altus, Arkansas. His grandchildren are Ashley Post Rausch and husband John, Caroline Cains Cooper and husband Bob, Amanda Cains, Nicholas Post and fiance Kyrie Leaf, Dr Justin Post, Will Cains, Karen Ramey, Caitlyn Emigh, Katherine Ramey, Luke Emigh, Julie Cains, Mark Ramey, Emily Harbison, Mirana Emigh, Adrian James "A J" Post, Jacob Post, Amelia Post, and Joshua Post. His great-grandchildren are Henry, Jack, and Margaret Rose Rausch, and Stella Jane and Robert Cooper, III. He is survived by brothers Dr James Post and wife Pat of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Mathew Post and wife Betty of Altu, Arkansas; sisters, Katherine Graham of Washington, Missouri, Louise Graham of New Orleans, Louisiana, Theresa Shaw and husband Frank of near San Antonio, Texas, Antonia Plugge of Altus, Arkansas and Estella Conatser of Ozark, Arkansas. He leaves numerous nieces and nephews.
Contributed on 8/7/17 by bill060
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Record #: 1189540