Eugene was born September 30, 1933, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to parents Eugene Joseph Saale Sr and Margaret Weaver. He graduated high school as valedictorian at St. Joseph Academy of Chillicothe in 1951, and graduated with honors at Trenton Junior College in 1953. He studied photojournalism for a year at University of Missouri – Columbia before joining the United States Army. He served at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, for two years, where he worked in the Officers’ Club and published the base newspaper. He then moved back home and served in the Army Active Reserves for another two years. He worked in housing construction and operated Eugene Saale Vending for several years. He later went to work for Indian Hills for several years following the passing of his wife, Norma Jean.

Eugene enjoyed freelance photography throughout his life. His passion for it started in high school, and his photography of Hawaii was published in the Schofield Base newspaper. He enjoyed playing the organ and the trumpet with the Chillicothe Band. He was a devout Catholic and regularly attended services at St. Columban Catholic Church in Chillicothe.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene “Gene” Joseph Saale Sr and Margaret Weaver; wife, Norma Jean; and step-son, Ronald “Ron” L Williams.

He is survived by his brother, Stephen Anthony Saale, and his wife, Connie Simmons; his step-son, Billy “Bill” D Williams, and his son and family; Ron’s children, Ronald L Williams Jr, Anthony Williams, and Michelle Williams, and their children; his daughter, Rose Ann Ali Al-Turk, and her three children and two grandchildren; and his son Michael John Saale, and his wife, Mary Saale, and twin sons.

Eugene passed on April 15, 2022, at Livingston Manor to join the love of his life, Norma Jean.