MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois Athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of F. Eugene "Gene" Strode, a former Leatherneck football student-athlete and longtime educator and athletic administrator, who passed away April 20, 2026, at the age of 88.
A 1959 graduate of Western Illinois University, Strode earned his degree in education before continuing his studies at the University of Illinois, where he received his master's degree in 1965. During his time at Western, he stood out on the football field as an IIAC All-Conference selection and served as captain of the 1958 Leathernecks.
Strode went on to build a career centered around education and athletics, starting at Limestone High School and Peoria Central High School before spending 28 years at Hinsdale Central High School. There, he served as a teacher, coach and athletic director.
During his 14 years leading Hinsdale Central's athletic department, the school saw tremendous success, winning 42 IHSA state trophies, including 15 state championships. He was known for the way he led; with consistency, integrity and a genuine investment in the student-athletes around him.
More than the wins and accolades, Strode will be remembered for the impact he had on the people he coached, taught and worked alongside. He cared deeply about helping others grow, both in sports and in life.
"Gene Strode was a Hall of Famer in everything he did throughout his life," said Dwaine Roach. "He was proud to be a Leatherneck. He loved everything Western. Gene was old school when it came to discipline and being responsible. As a coach at Hinsdale Central he hired former players from WIU to coach on his staff. As the Athletics Director he hired a Leatherneck to be his head football coach. After Gene retired, he and Sue moved back to west central Illinois to be near family, but also to become more involved in Western Illinois University. He served on the WIU Foundation board for many years.
"Gene was a proud member of The Leatherneck Club and attended many functions on campus and was a regular at Athletics events. Gene was especially proud to be a member of the WIU Athletics Hall of Fame. He was a Leatherneck's Leatherneck. He was a gentleman, a man of honor and integrity. Gene will be missed by all that knew him."
Strode is survived by his wife, Sue Carol; his children, Jill (Robert) Huskisson, Phillip (Susan) Strode and Michael (Sarah) Strode; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Charlotte Strode; his sisters, Martha Young and Donna Kay Strode; and his daughter, Stacy Strode.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 7, at the Lodge at Katherine Legge Memorial Park in Hinsdale, Illinois, with an open house from 1–5 p.m. and a ceremony at 3 p.m.
Western Illinois Athletics extends its condolences to the Strode family and all who knew him.
