Eugene James Mobley

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Friedens United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, at any of the Baue Funeral Home locations. Born in St. Louis on March 14, 1927, to Leon C. and Grace P. Mobley (nee Daigger), Eugene ''Gene'' James Mobley passed into the next phase of God's plan on October 16, 2003. He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Betty J.Mobley (nee Cross). Gene and Betty were classmates throughout grade school at Herzog Elementary and later at Beaumont High as part of the Class of 1945. He served his country from 1945 to 1947 in the U.S.Army. Upon his discharge, he and Betty were married. Gene studied at Washington University in St. Louis and later at the Northern Illinois School of Optometry in Chicago, following his father in the profession to which he would devote over 50 years. Gene Mobley graduated from Optometry school in 1950 and returned to St. Louis to start his practice in Wellston. In 1960 he joined partner Dr. Thomas Levene in Overland where he maintained his office, seeing patients until late 2002. Active at all levels of professional associations throughout his career, Dr. Mobley served in leadership positions within the Missouri Optometric Association, the St. Louis Optometric Society, and the Overland Rotary Clob. He was appointed to the State Board of Optometry through which he enjoyed his involvement with, and opportunity to influence graduating optometry students. He was among those instrumental in securing support for the new School of Optometry to be located at the University of Missouri St. Louis. Nothing could have made Dr. Mobley more proud than to have his granddaughter, Diane Curry, accepted into the program. Diane is currently in her third year at the school, and has the privilege of interacting on a daily basis with some of her grandfather's colleagues, who are among the faculty there. In the 1980's Gene and Betty became central to the inner-city ministry of Friedens United Church of Christ. Without their faithful commitment and diligence it is easy to imagine that the 146-year-old church may have since been boarded up and relegated to history. Instead, Friedens continues as part of the legacy Gene Mobley leaves behind. It is his wish that his memorial service be held at the church that was so important to him at 19th and Newhouse in North St. Louis. Over the years, Dr. Gene Mobley's ready ear, open heart, and reasoned way of understanding have assisted colleagues and friends as well as every member of his family in making wiser decisions. The way in which Gene fulfilled his many important roles, from Dr. of Optometry to Church Council President to bass fisherman, has provided a lasting example to all those around him. Dr. Eugene J. Mobley is survived by his wife Betty, daughters Karen (Gary) Pohlman, Kimberly (David) Maloney, and Kathleen Mobley (Martha Hamblen), grandchildren Gary (Christy) Pohlman, Curtis Pohlman, Diane (Travis) Curry, James Maloney, and Erin Maloney and great-grandson, Alexander Eugene Pohlman.