Born March 21, 1959, passed away June 8, 2024, at the age of 65.
Wesley, who went by both Wes and Gene, adored his wife Lisa (nee Klaski), with whom he recently celebrated 41 years of marriage. They enjoyed watching baseball games and movies together and spending time with their daughters, Allison (Matthew) Braun and Hillary (Daniel Dougherty) Switzer.
Whether it was playing the guitar or entertaining audiences in karaoke contests with classics like “Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes, Gene had a passion for music. He was an avid reader, fisherman, and a car enthusiast, who fulfilled a longtime dream this year of buying a Camaro.
Gene was also dedicated to his career as an aerospace engineer. He was the first person in his family to attend college, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in aerospace engineering. He worked at Boeing for 43 years and was recognized as an expert in Lean process improvement, traveling around the country to share his expertise.
He is preceded in death by his mother Sarah (nee Whitaker) and father Wesley. In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his brother, Steve (Holly) Switzer. He will be missed by his family, friends, and coworkers.
Visitation will be Monday, June 17, from 5-8 p.m., and the funeral service will be Tuesday, June 18, at 10 a.m., both at Kutis Funeral Home, 5225 Lemay Ferry Rd. Interment will follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 Mackenzie Rd.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Siteman Cancer Center Fund.
Lisa. We were so sorry to hear about Wes’s passing! I just saw him cleaning the wheels on his car as I drove by. God rest his soul and God bless you and your entire family! Love from your neighbors!
Wes was a special friend as well as a mentor to me, I value the times I spent with him and will never forget him.
Wes was a great co-worker, boss, and friend. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Wes was a great person to work for. He was one of my favorite bosses and a good man.
Wes was an incredible teammate and friend to many. He will be missed. Please accept my condolences.
My deepest sympathies to Wes’ wife and family. Wes talked of you all often when we chatted. Wes was a wonderful teammate; he generously shared his time and knowledge with anyone who asked for help. I only met Wes in person a few times, but I counted him as a friend, and I will miss him dearly.
I worked with Wes at Boeing. He was so dependable and I could always count on Wes to come through. We will miss Wes too. I am so very sorry for your loss.
You were my first patient to ever bring me flowers on my birthday. Then we became the best of buds over the years. I was so happy just last week when I got your email about your new car. This breaks my heart. Big hugs to Lisa and your girls. Xoxo
I was lucky to have Wes as a classmate over 40 years ago at Parks. We were kindred spirits then as we are now. We enjoyed each others company and fished regularly even though due to his voice and my hearing we didn’t converse too much. I will sorely miss you my friend. Glad we got to go fishin/catchin a few weeks ago. You were and will always be one of my best friends.
Lisa and girls, I was lucky to have was as a classmate at Parks. We were kindred spirits that’s as we are now. I count myself blessed to have had him as a friend all these years. I’m so glad we were able to go fishin/ catchin a few weeks ago. He was and always will be one of my best friends. I am so sad for our mutual loss.
So sorry to hear about Wes passing – my thoughts and prayers are with his entire family and friends.
I worked with Wes on the aircraft side years ago…a great person and well respected for his knowledge.
My Sincerest Sympathy and prayers for the family during this difficult time.
I enjoyed knowing and working with Wes through the years.
My deepest condolences to your family in your time of grief. May you find comfort in the happiest moments and memories spent with Wes during. My prayers are with you all.
So sorry for your loss. It is a great loss to us as well. Wes you were a great Mentor and will miss you tremendously. Rest in Peace with the Lord.
I’m sorry to hear of his passing. He was a nice, thoughtful person. He will be missed.
A very knowledgeable and gentle person. Always exercised extreme patience and understanding when sharing any tidbit of information. When he spoke, it always carried a weight of importance and respect. RIP Wes, you will be greatly missed.
We all have ‘our people’ we go to for support in different areas and Wes was that person for so many people at Boeing, including me. He was always supportive, never backed down to tough asks, and would do whatever it takes to give you what you need– even in a pinch. He was truly a titan in his field and will greatly be missed. Prayers of peace and healing to all family and friends.
Work is interesting because you can work with really awesome people and never have the chance to meet in person, this is my reality for Wes. Wes and I worked together virtually for years. I want you to know Wes was awesome at work, whenever I sent a message saying Wes I need your help, he responded.. I knew that I could always count on Wes. I enjoyed working with him over the years. I pray that God give you peace during this time.
I did not know Wes personally but worked with him virtually on several projects. He was always helpful and very knowledgeable and will be missed. Sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about Wes’ passing. He was always a dependable resource for me and my teammates, and a shining example of both excellent work ethic and a positive attitude, even when I sprung something urgent and unexpected on him. Reading about Wes’ life outside of Boeing and others’ messages above, I am saddened that we have lost not only a good coworker, but a good human.
Dear Lisa and Family, our deepest sympathies. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You’ve been wonderful neighbors through the years, it was heartbreaking to hear the news. Our love and prayers are sent your way. Regards, Gabriel, Diane, Hannah, Helena and Holden Weber
I never met Wes personally but worked with him virtually on many projects. Wes was always so helpful to me and our team and will be missed. Sorry for your loss. Prayers.
I never met Wes, but worked with him virtually. He was always quick and effective at signing our changes we put in the workflow. May his soul rest in peace and may the Almighty comfort his family members and give them peace. He will be missed!