During Gene’s early teen-years, he began to attend the YMCA where he met Mr. Rodgers, who became a father-figure to him: taught him about how to work on cars, how to play the guitar, and helped set him on a path towards a great love for The United States of America. At the age of seventeen, Gene enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country for twenty-four years, including time in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. Upon retirement, Gene was a mechanic, a prison guard, a sheriff’s deputy, and a cabinet maker. At the request of a friend, Gene entered the cab of a long-haul truck for a weekend, then retired from being a truck driver after twenty years of accident-free driving.
Gene enjoyed spending time with his family, bowling and baseball. Additionally, he loved camping, playing music and travelling “this beautiful country of ours.” Gene was a member of the American Legion.
Gene was united in marriage to Susan Lusk on April 9, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents; oldest grandson, Joshua McGee; brother-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Trotter; and brother, Billy McGee. Gene is survived by his wife, Susan; a daughter, Angela Lesher McGee; a son, Brian (April) McGee; grandsons, Jacob and Stephen McGee; sisters Martha, Debbie and Cathy; brother, Bobby; many nieces, nephews, step-children and step-grandchildren; and ex-wife, LaDonna Trotter.
A graveside service at Fort Scott National Cemetery will be announced at a later date. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com
