Gene was born in Minneapolis, MN on July 27, 1939. Gene graduated from Central High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to be an aircraft mechanic, his childhood dream. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Gene and Barbara met in Lincoln, DE and were married December 7, 1960.
After leaving the U.S. Air Force, Gene worked and went to trade school obtaining civilian licenses to continue working on aircraft. He then went to work for Western Airlines. Gene, Barbara and their two young boys then moved from Minneapolis, MN to Tempe, AZ in the early 1970’s. He retired from Delta Airlines in 1998.
Gene and Barbara then spent years enjoying and loving their grandsons. Gene enjoyed tinkering, repairing things, working on cars, boating and fishing with his sons Gentry and Eric. Gene’s faith in God and Jesus Christ as his personal savior were paramount in his life. He spent years in his bible and found his place in many churches among fellow followers. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara, son Eric and daughter in law Margaret, grandsons Matthew and Michael, and sister Barbara Tillack. Gene is preceded in death by his son Gentry.
Funeral Service will be held at Grace Church at 8701 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85207 on Saturday January 28, 2023, at 3:00pm. Flowers can be sent to the church or a donation can be made in Gene’s honor to the American Heart Association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Needham family.
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