Francis E. “Gene” Lacombe

Francis Eugene “Gene” LaCombe passed peacefully from his earthly home on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Gene was born November 22, 1926, to Olive (Moon) and Garry LaCombe. At the age of 1 day, he and his parents moved from Kansas City, Missouri, to Shawnee where he lived for the remainder of his life. He was a life long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and belonged to the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus.

As a young man, Gene was a member of Boy Scout Troop 194 where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and was a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. In his adult years he volunteered as a Boy Scout Troop Leader. After graduation from Shawnee Mission North, Gene enlisted in the US Navy. He was assigned to the light carrier USS Siboney where he was a radar specialist. After the War in the Pacific, he returned to Shawnee and met the love of his life Eleanor (Townley). They married in 1948.

A glazier by trade, Gene established Lawrence Glass in Mirror in 1967 and located his business in Lawrence, Kansas. He moved to the current location in Shawneein 1973. The business is still operated by the family. After retirement Gene enjoyed his role as a gentleman farmer.

He found great pleasure in tending to his livestock and riding his John Deer tractors. Gene belonged to the American Legion, VFW, Johnson County Civil Air Patrol and was a judge at the annual Shawnee BBQ championships. Gene served as a Shawnee volunteer fireman for 25 years and was active in his community. He was appointed to the City of Shawnee Code of Appeals Board and served in that capacity until his death. His hobbies included hunting, camping, boating and farming.

Before retiring he took great pleasure arranging floats for the annual Old Shawnee Days parade and the Shawnee St. Patrick’s Day parade. He was a member of the Olathe Trail Riders Equestrian Club and as a Civil War enthusiast was a member of the Knights of the Round Table. He enjoyed in playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and participating in their various activities.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Garry LaCombe, mother Olive (Moon) LaCombe and brother William LaCombe.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Eleanor (Townley) LaCombe; daughters Carol (LaCombe) Lehman and husband Bill, Joan (LaCombe) Cansler and husband Phil; sons Thomas LaCombe and wife Julie, Gregory LaCombe and wife Ana, and Jeffery LaCombe and wife Carolyn; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion, especially to Gracie, R.N. who became a dear friend.

Visitation and Rosary will be held on from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, March 16, 2012, at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday March 17, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens in western Shawnee.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:

St. Joseph Boy Scout Troop #194

c/o St. Joseph Catholic Church

5901 Flint

Shawnee, Kansas 66203

or

Heartland Hospice

4601 College Boulevard, Suite 202

Leawood, Kansas 66211