Richard “Gene” Wolf

Richard “Gene” Wolf, 50, of Shawnee, KS, passed away on January 26, 2021. Gene was born in Kansas City, Kansas to Cynthia (Cindy) Kirgan on December 28, 1970. He was raised throughout the Midwest, but always considered himself a Kansan. He enjoyed traveling to places like Australia, Japan and Thailand as a United States Marine. Before joining the Marine Corps, Gene was a champion cross country runner throughout high school at Shawnee Mission Northwest. He also ran during college at Highland Community College and Baker University, where he received full scholarships for his athleticism.

Gene was a die-hard sports fan, especially of Jimmy Johnson and his local Chiefs, Jayhawks and Royals. He loved mastering new levels of Golden Tee with his buddies and playing in several fantasy football leagues. Gene was an introvert but formed many long-term friendships, including those from high school, cross country, college, the Marines, work and church. Gene cherished their shared experiences and valued those who were part of those periods in his life.

Gene married his wife, Gigi, on a sandy beach in Cancun, Mexico. They wed in 2004, three years after they met, and were together over 16 years. True to his thrifty nature, they chose a wedding package that was cost-efficient and made them happy. Gene was a homebody and Gigi loved to socialize and travel, so they often met in the middle with takeout dinners and movie rentals at home and trips to the California coast, New Orleans and a few all-inclusive resorts in Mexico on special occasions.

Gene and Gigi brought home a loving and energetic chocolate lab they named Cappuccino Cougar Wolf (Chino) six months later. The three lived in Merriam, KS until they moved to Shawnee to expand their family even more. In 2010, Zander Isaiah Wolf joined them through adoption and looked like the spitting image of Gene, not only when they dressed alike, which was often. Gene enjoyed fatherhood and was a wiz with math homework. He and Zander often bonded over video games and cars, especially when Gene took Zander for driving lessons starting at age 6. They also liked playing video games together and trying out new technology, although Gene was often one step behind. Shortly before losing Chino at the age of 14 ½, they rescued a lab mix named Bella, finally balancing the boy to girl ratio in their home.

Church attendance has always been a priority to Gene and his family, most recently joining Lenexa Baptist Church in 2017. Gene became a leader in the Celebrate Recovery ministry where he mentored others and grew personally. As a leader in the ministry, he facilitated meetings, initiated social gatherings and shared biblical words of wisdom with friends, family and co-workers. It was important to Gene for others to learn the Word of God.

During his career in supply chain logistics with Coca-Cola, Sprint, KGP and Kansas University Health Systems, Gene excelled. His intelligence and hard work enabled him to accomplish any career goal he set his mind to. Gene also became a certified pharmacy technician to continue growing professionally.

Loved ones who cleared the path for Gene are his grandpa Burt Parsons and his grandma Hazel Parsons. Gene is survived by his wife, Geleah ‘Gigi’ Wolf, his son Zander Wolf, his mother Cynthia  ‘Cindy’ Kirgan (James), his uncle Richard Gene Parsons (Debbie), his step brothers Todd (TJ) McDonald (Laura) and James (Jimmy) Kirgan Jr. (Macie) and many other extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, an educational fund has been set up for Gene and Gigi's son, Zander. Please send donations to:

Academy Bank, c/o Zander Wolf

8808 Renner Blvd, Lenexa, KS, 66219

Please make checks payable to Zander Wolf.

Please share your memories of Gene at www.everloved.com/life-of/richard-wolf/ We'd like this site to be a lasting gift to his son and family.

A funeral service will be on Monday, February 1, 2021, 11 am Visitation and 1 pm Funeral at the Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 West 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS.

To view the service live please CLICK HERE.