David Eugene Hough

David Eugene “Gene” Hough, 89, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, at Transitional Health Services in Kannapolis following three months of declining health.

A celebration of Gene’s life will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, in the Gordon Funeral Home chapel in Mt. Pleasant. The Rev. Mitchell Wilson will officiate, and burial will follow in Concord’s Oakwood Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be provided by the Cabarrus County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends beginning at 2pm at the funeral home.

Gene was born in Cabarrus County on April 6, 1928, to David Franklin Hough and Lucille Shinn Hough. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Violet Gasa Hough, on Sept. 24, 1994; his brother, Harry Hough; and his sister, Linda Elaine Hough Smith.

A Mt. Pleasant High School graduate, Gene served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon returning home, he joined the United States Postal Service and was the long-time postmaster of Mt. Pleasant, overseeing the planning, construction and opening of the current post office on South Main Street in 1965. He further served his profession as president of the National Postmasters Association.

Gene was a founding member of American Legion Post 301 and served in multiple leadership roles including commander. He also was a founding member of the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society, which operates a local museum on the grounds of the former Mt. Pleasant Collegiate Institute. A devoted member of the Mt. Pleasant Lion’s Club his entire adult life, Gene was a past president and also had served as district governor for Lion’s International. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church and was active with the United Methodist Men as long as his health allowed.

When not serving his country, his profession, his community and his church, Gene enjoyed woodworking, gardening and horticulture. 

Survivors include a niece, Renee S. Buck and husband, Todd; a nephew, Clint Buck (Samantha) and special friends, Gwen Rhinehardt and Frank Hill.

Contributions in Gene’s memory may be directed to the Mt. Pleasant Lion’s Club, P.O. Box 265, Mt. Pleasant, NC, 28124.