Gene was born June 27, 1931 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Gresham High School and continued his education receiving various technical certificates. Gene served in the US Air Force for four years before receiving his honorable discharge in 1955.
Gene married his first wife, Janice C. Franks, in Vancouver, Washington, on January 19, 1952. Together they raised a family and shared many happy years of marriage, Janice passed away in 1998. Years later, he was fortunate to meet and marry his second wife, Ruthie Newcomer. The two were married aboard the Portland Spirit on September 23, 2003.
Gene had a successful career as an Audio Visual Engineer for Pacific Northwest Bell and The Raytheon Company. He was a member of the Mazamas, The Mountaineers of Seattle, The Gresham Senior Center, and the National Association of Broadcasters. Gene had a passion for hiking, mountain and rock climbing, traveling the world, and his dog Kalie. He was also a Ham Radio License Holder with the call sign W7ONQ, which he proudly displayed on his license plate for many years.
Gene is survived by his wife, Ruthie Newcomer; his children, Julie Stewart (William) and Robert Newcomer (Lisa); his grandchildren Christopher, Cameron (Doriana), Quinton (Kayla) Stewart, and Dane Newcomer; great granddaughter Aiyana Stewart; and his sister, Wanette Jones. His son Gene Newcomer and his siblings, Kenneth, Lester, and Thelma precede him in death.
A committal service with military honors for Gene will be held Monday, August 19, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97086. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 AM at Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt Scott Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97086.
