Eugene “Gene” is preceded in Death by his parents, Maurice and Annette LaJeunesse and his loving wife Joan LaJeunesse. He graduated from the University of Texas At El Paso. Gene was a loyal, caring, loving, and supportive husband and father. Being a gifted mechanic, he enjoyed a long career as an airline mechanic for Continental Airlines, following his service in the US Airforce. He retired as a lead mechanic from Continental Airlines in 2001 and resided for the rest of his retirement days in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Papa Gene loved the desert. His favorite hobby was exploring the surrounding mountains in his 1967 Ford Bronco. He prospected in old mining towns for historical artifacts. He dearly loved animals, especially his dogs, Daisy and Bandit.
Pappa Gene is survived by his Children: Cheryl (Tod) Sorensen, Eugene (Lori) Howard, Kristina LaJeunesse, Deborah (Josh) Ruppert; Grandchildren: Shanelle (John) Stewart, Brandon Howard, Travis (Brooklyn) Howard; Alexa Ruppert, Lucas Ruppert, Anna Ruppert, He is further survived by his companion, Carolyn Clark and numerous other family and friends.
A private service will be held by his immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: 4 Paws for Ability: https://4pawsforability.org or Foothills Animal Rescue: foothillsanimal.org
