Krebs, Eugene (Gene) W.

Eugene (Gene) W. Krebs passed away January 10, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born March 26, 1948, in St. Louis MO, Gene was the son of Joseph Martin Krebs, and Mary Catherine (St. John) Krebs (Flynn). He was raised in St. Louis, graduated from St. Louis University High School, and attended Quincy College as a psychology major.

For decades, Gene was a professional photographer’s photographer. He never just took pictures; his photos caught live moments of love, surprise, laughter, and skill. From the darkroom through digital AI, he was an independent learner and always shared technique with newcomers. He was granted the prestigious One Show Award for his artistry in advertising. He thought it a great responsibility and privilege to capture the key moments in people’s lives, which he did for countless companies, families, schools, associates and friends.

Gene, known for his generosity in helping others, was a gifted mentor, an insatiable learner, and a methodical problem solver.   In addition to the optics, chemistry, and physics he mastered to excel in his medium, he taught himself dozens of other subjects, including construction, computer technology and design.  He mentored a myriad of creative minds, often supplying the exact tool and guidance as a personal gift.  As a final act, honoring the importance of advancing knowledge, he offered his body to Washington University School of Medicine.

Gene is survived by his loving wife Judy Gawne Varias; her children, Christopher Varias of Newport KY and Dre (Julie) Purpura of Chicago IL; their grandchildren, Madoline (Maddie) Varias, Martin (Marty) Varias, and Sebastian Purpura; his siblings, Mary Ellen Kramer of Cincinnati OH, Francis Krebs of St. Louis, Robert Krebs of Gaithersburg MD, Margaret Edelman of Garden City NY, Elizabeth Kamler of O’Fallon MO, Susan Krebs-Smith of Gaithersburg, and Catherine Krebs of Brooklyn NY. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph M. Krebs Jr. of Rockville MD.

Gene was a devoted spouse, loyal brother, trusted confidant, an uncle of counsel, a teacher whose patience was felt, not stated, and a supportive friend in your most difficult challenge: “we shall not look upon his like again.”

Services: A private service will be held close to the time of his birthday in St. Louis.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Pancan.org) or Hospice Foundation of America.