Memorial services for Mr. Eugene “Gene” Dion, Sr. will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana. Inurnment will be in Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Leesville, Louisiana, under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home and Crematory, Ball, Louisiana.

Mr. Dion, age 75 of Pineville, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2016 at the Community Living Center of the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Pineville, Louisiana.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Cyril R. Dion, Sr. and Marie Dion; two brothers, Jerald and Ralph Dion and one sister, Hazel Dion Cole.

He is survived by two daughters, Debbie Baudin and husband Brady of Pineville and Kimberly Carpenter and husband Cary of Reno, Nevada; two sons, David Dion and Gene Dion, Jr., both of Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren; three step grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren.

Gene is also survived by two brothers; Ronnie Dion and wife Rhonda of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Roy Dion and wife Judy of Cary, North Carolina and two sisters; Ann Dion of Carry, North Carolina and Marian Dion Hussman of Conway, Arkansas.

Gene was a loving father who cared tremendously for his family. He coached little league, took his children fishing and made growing up fun and memorable for his children and their friends in the neighborhood. He loved football – especially his beloved Saints and LSU. Gene worked and played hard and lived each day as though it was a gift to be cherished.

Gene served his country honorably as a member of the United States Navy aboard the USS Shadwell. “Decon” as he was better known to many, was also a successful businessman as owner of Dion’s Auto Sales.

Visitation will be held at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana on Friday, January 29, 2016 from 9 a.m. until time of services.

The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful doctors, nurses, clergy and staff of the Veteran’s Administration Hospital and Community Living Center. Additionally, a special thank you to Becky Theriot of Blessings at Home, Home Health & Directions of Louisiana.

Friends may post online messages of condolence for the Dion family by visiting www.gallagherfh.com.