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
Uncle Gene is already missed. His smile lit up a room. Always a kind man with a big heart. Now up there in Heaven. Smile down on us here, Uncle Gene. My prayers are with the entire family and loved ones.
I was Gene,
Our sincere condolences to Betty, Gene, Jr., Andy, and Michael, along with family and friends on Mr. Gladstone’s passing. He is now a part of God’s Angels. I met the Gladstone’s when recruited to Northwest Missouri State Football with Gene Jr.. Many back and forth trips to Maryville, and I always looked forward to stopping by the Gladstones all through my life, as they lived close to my Sister. Such good people, Mr. And Mrs. Gladstone who raised great kids.
Godspeed Mr. Gladstone!
Matt and Bernadette Borgard
Downers Grove, IL
Gene was good friend and coworker We enjoyed our lunches with he and Betty. He will be missed
Bill Purdy
As Ralph Sneed’s widow, I can tell you unequivocally that there was no one that my husband respected and admired more than Gene. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thanks fir being a strong model fir me in my youth as SW high.
I’ll always feel a debt of gratitude to Gene who was my SW high school track coach. He was a motivator. As a result of his lighting a fire under me, I was able to receive a track scholarship to MU, Columbia that paid for my education, otherwise I likely would not been able to go. Thanks coach. See you in eternity. My deepest condolences to his family.
I knew Mr. Gladstone when i was a student at Southwest high school from 1968-1972 and he was a well respected man with many student friends. He caught my future wife Susan and i kissing at school once and was very polite and told us don’t be doing that where you can be caught 🤭
On behalf of the Chaplain’s Department at Friendship Village, we offer our deepest condolences. Please know and remember that “God is near to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 34:18. We are praying for you in your time of grief. Thank you for sharing Gene with us.
Gene’s memory will be eternal.