Gene R. McKillips, age 71 of Gap, PA, husband of Mary Ellen "Mic" Morrow McKillips, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage on August 24th went to his eternal home on Friday, April 25, 2025.  He was born in Lancaster, son of the late Charles R. "Jim" & Mary Jane Albright McKillips.  He graduated from Pequea Valley High School class of 1971.  He worked at Lukens Steel Company of Coatesville for 29 years as a welder and Maintenance Foreman.

In 1997 Gene founded The Village Arms…Guns, Ammo and Gunsmithing where he spent 24 years sharing his knowledge of hunting and shooting sports with gun enthusiasts throughout Lancaster and Chester counties and beyond.  He and his gunsmiths became the premier provider for firearm repairs and custom gunsmith work.  He was most skilled at building precision long-range rifles.

Surviving besides his wife are two children: Melanie wife of Andre Cline of Bucktown, and Neal,     husband of Colleen Zwilcher McKillips of Newtown Square, 4 grandchildren: Lily & Elijah Cline, Molly & Rosie McKillips. And one brother, Deen R. McKillips of Gap.

Cars and motorcycles were his passion.  He restored a 1960 Corvette and built three street rods – of course they were Chrysler Big Block-Powered!

Motorcycles have always been an obsession shared with his wife – riding short day trips and long cross-country trips.  In more recent years, Gene began collecting and restoring vintage motorcycles. He restored over 40 motorcycles – BSAs – Yamahas – Triumphs – Moto Guzzis – Harley Davidsons – Ducatis -Royal Enfields.  But he was most enthusiastic about his British Nortons.  He loved the challenge of buying a 'basket case' bike to clean and polish, troubleshoot and get running like new.

Gene's demeanor and enthusiasm for his passions were infectious and he built relationships with so many incredible people across the world.  The many calls, visits and texts of kind words received from these friends over the past several months have left him humbled and full of gratitude.

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a ride! '"        ~ Hunter S. Thompson

The family would love for you to join them in a time of sharing remembrances and light fare at Chantry Place, 15 North Bridge Street, Christiana, PA, on Monday, May 5th  from 4:00-7:00 pm with a memorial service beginning at 7 p.m.  Gene insists on casual attire!!