Born on December 2, 1935, Gene’s earliest memories were of his life and travels as a child of the military, the most notable of these, his journey with his mother to Germany at about the age of 9. Travel to Germany took the form of a two week voyage across the Atlantic on a naval vessel transporting soldiers with whom, as a child, he had the opportunity to share living quarters. He has forever asserted those two weeks are responsible for any bad habits he possessed over his lifetime.
Upon his return to St. Louis, Gene attended Roosevelt High School where, at the age of 15, he met Betty, the woman with whom he would share the rest of his life. Gene and Betty were married in 1956, his senior year at Southeast Missouri State University. After a year spent at the University of Missouri where he earned a Masters degree, Gene and Betty would return to St. Louis where they lived for the next 69 years 11 months and 2 days.
Athletics played a central role in Gene’s life. He earned a football scholarship to Southeast Missouri State University and his success on the playing field ignited a passion that would shape his career. As a teacher, he was afforded the opportunity to live his passion as the Head Football Coach for the Southwest High School Longhorns. The highlight of his coaching career was leading the Longhorns to the St. Louis City Championship and Public High School Championship in 1962.
The conclusion of his playing time on the gridiron didn’t diminish his passion for sport and with the collaboration of friends he formed the Bombers Football Rugby Club where he played and coached for over a decade. As a founding member of the Bombers, he took great satisfaction from their rise to one of the Nation’s most dominant forces. He was honored for his contributions with induction into the Bombers Hall of Fame.
Outside the athletic realm, Gene had a lifelong love for restoring and driving classic cars. He was equally at home on the drag strip, a road course, or a car show. His need for speed extended to the waters of the Lake of the Ozarks where, whether in fast boats or on skis he loved skimming the wave tops, all interests he passed on to his sons.
The work of the Shriners of St. Louis in support of Shriners Hospital for Children drew him to the organization. As a Shriner he contributed to the support of the hospital and was an integral part of the Motor Pool, Jesters, and the Ceremonial Cast. One of his great grandchildren is the beneficiary of the renowned work of the medical teams at the hospital. Gene is a devoted member of Southminster Presbyterian Church.
Gene has created a large and loving family with many lifelong friends to whom he is devoted and an abundance of former students who once called him mentor and now friend. He lived life demonstrating there is no challenge too daunting to be overcome and no moment too small to be celebrated.
Visitation May 24 from 1:00-2:30. Memorial service follows at 2:30 at Kutis Funeral Home Affton, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Children’s Hospital St. Louis