Colonel Carroll Gene Links Jr.

Colonel Carroll Gene Links, Jr., 57, of Mulberry Grove, Illinois, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at his home, surrounded by a loving family.

Gene was born October 25, 1967, in Breese, Illinois, the son of Carroll Gene and Barbara Jo (Edmund) Links, Sr. He married Judy Kay Tedrick in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 13, 1988. They were married for over 36 years.

Gene was a family man who took pride in his family and their achievements, he worked hard to provide a good life for them and his wife. He was a loving husband, father, papa, son, brother, and friend. He enjoyed spending time with all and was very much a protector of all of those he loved. He was never shy about his opinions or sharing his strong beliefs and stood firm in them.

Clubs and organizations were important to Gene, for which he belonged to many – the First Christian Church in Greenville, Greenville VFW Post 1377, Keyesport American Legion Post 1994, Military Officer’s Association, Vandalia Moose Lodge 1447, Masonic Lodge, Southern Illinois Shriner Royal Order of Jesters, SAR, and the Ruger Owners & Collectors Society.

After graduating Carlyle High School, in 1985, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from SIU Carbondale, graduating in 1990. In 2012, he completed studies at the US Army War College in Carlisle, PA, earning his master’s degree in strategic studies.

After 30 years of proudly serving his country, Gene retired as a Colonel. He deployed, twice, to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he earned both the purple heart and the bronze star for injuries received in combat.

Preceding him in death are his grandparents, Dale & Phyllis Edmunds and Kenneth & Flora Links, and mother-in-law, Patsy Tedrick.

Surviving Gene are his wife, Judy K. Links of Mulberry Grove, Illinois; his parents Carroll & Barbara Links of Collinsville, Illinois; father in law, Richard Tedrick; children, Nathan P. Links of Millstadt, Illinois, Brennon G (Jacqueline) Links of Mulberry Grove, Illinois, Braeden C. Links of Mulberry Grove, Illinois, BriAnne N. (Scott) Randall of Vandalia, Illinois; grandchildren, Kian G. Links, Autumn K. Randall, Tinsley D. Links, Jackson W. Randall, Addilynn J. Randall; siblings, Paul (Julie) Links of Roswell, Georgia, Michelle (Michael) Rench of Collinsville, Illinois; and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm., Monday, June 23, 2025, at the First Christian Church, 1000 Killarney Drive, Greenville, IL 62246.

Funeral: 12:00 pm., following the visitation, with the Revs. Dee Armes and Tyson Graber officiating.

Burial: Will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, at a later date.

The family asks that all donations, please, be gifted to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude’s Hospital, in lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts.

Memorial contributions may be given during the visitation and funeral or mailed to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 // Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758525, Topeka, KS 66675 // St. Jude’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis TN 38105.

The family has entrusted Assalley-Young Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.