Gene Leo Rohr

March 20, 1929 – January 12, 2026

Gene Leo Rohr, a decorated United States Air Force Colonel, accomplished aviator, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Granite Bay, California, at the age of 96.

Gene was born on March 20, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Oscar F. and Viola (Schilli) Rohr. A man of discipline, curiosity, and adventure, Gene lived a life defined by service, leadership, and deep devotion to family.

He joined the United States Air Force on June 21, 1952, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned 30 years. During the Korean War, Gene flew 80 combat missions over North Korea in the F-84 Thunderjet with the 58th Fighter Bomber Wing, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for extraordinary courage under hazardous combat conditions.

Throughout his career, Gene flew more than 25 different aircraft, including the T-28, T-29, T-33, T-38 Talon, C-47, C-131, and the C-130 Hercules. He served as an instructor pilot for the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Air Force, including an assignment at the RAF Central Flying School in Little Rissington, England, where he trained RAF pilots. His service also included cargo and passenger missions in Vietnam and Thailand, staff assignments in Okinawa, and leadership roles at the Pentagon from 1970 to 1974. He concluded his career in Airfield Management at Mather Air Force Base in California.

Gene retired from the Air Force on July 31, 1980, after 30 years of honorable service. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with six Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

On July 2, 1955, Gene married Barbara Jean Cassidy at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama. Together they shared a lifetime of love and partnership while raising their family and living across the country and abroad in support of Gene’s military service.

Outside of uniform, Gene embraced life fully. He enjoyed hunting, bow hunting, fishing, duplicate bridge, photography, jewelry making, sculpting, and gardening. He had a lifelong love of animals and took great pride in raising chickens, goats, geese, pigs, and peacocks, as well as caring for dogs and cats. Gene was known for his humor, creativity, and ability to form and maintain lifelong friendships. He remained active and engaged until his final days.

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Jean Rohr, and his daughters Rhonda Jean Luther and Margo Lynn Glaze.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Zoe Ann and David Granzella; sons-in-law Thomas Luther and Pat Glaze; eight grandchildren: Kyle (and Alicia), Joel (and Paige), Emily (and Michael Colton), Faith Cassidy Frey, Patrick Glaze, Johnny Glaze, Andrew (and Meghan) Luther, and Lee Luther; and nine great-grandchildren: Mason, Sierra, Aspen, and Jackson Frey; Orion, Ranger, and Whitney Colton; Emelia Frey; and Rohr Luther.

Gene Leo Rohr lived a remarkable life marked by courage, integrity, service, and love. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A funeral service will be held at Reichert's Funeral & Cremation Services, located at 7320 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610, on January 30, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.