Charles "Gene" Eugene Ireland

Charles E. "Gene" Ireland enjoyed life. Gene was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, the only child of the late Gordon and Esther Ireland. Gene attended Withrow High School and the University of Cincinnati graduating in 1963 with a BA in Radio and Television Engineering. In 1963 after graduating from college, Gene married his friend since childhood, Judy Miller, who survives.

Gene worked in broadcasting throughout college until 1964 when he joined the US Air Force. Gene enjoyed a 20-year Air Force career as a communications officer stationed at Keesler AFB, Mississippi; Hofn, Iceland; Ramstein, Germany; RAF Neatishead, England; Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs; and Cheyenne Mountain NORAD. While serving the Air Force Gene earned several awards including Distinguished Graduate from Officer Training School. He also earned his Masters Degree in Business from the University of Utah extension in Germany. After retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1984 Gene enjoyed his civilian career with several aerospace contractors and finally his own business as a consultant. Gene often said he would “work until it wasn’t fun anymore.” He retired in 2012 after the onset of Parkinson’s disease when he could no longer do the many things he enjoyed.

Gene is survived by his wife, Judy, and two of their children Kelley Durham, Colorado Springs; and Ronald Ireland, Santa Barbara, CA. Also surviving are grandchildren: Tyler Durham, Boulder City, NV; Alexis Ireland, Santa Barbara; Danielle Ruble (Nate), Santa Barbara; and a great granddaughter Ivy Ireland, Santa Barbara. Gene was preceded in death by son Wesley.

Gene was active in several professional organizations during his career including the Air Force Association., AFCEA, and NDIA. He was also an active member of First Presbyterian church where he was a deacon for several years.

Charles will be laid to rest privately at Evergreen Cemetery.

A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at 11:00AM, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hope and Home, 4945 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Ireland family.