Gene Tomson, 86, Iola, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016, at Windsor Place Nursing Center in Iola.
Gene was born Dec. 24, 1929, on a farm west of Iola, the son of Marion Morris and Zola Beatrice (Kivett) Tomson. He grew up west of Iola, attending Union Rural School and graduating from Iola High School in 1948. Gene’s enlistment in the U.S. Navy for three years was extended a year because of the Korean Conflict. He served overseas in Japan and China on seaplane tenders and as a gunner’s mate aboard the USS Antietam (CV 36). On May 15, 1952, Gene married Leah W. Lorance in Huntsville, Ark. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, they made their home in Iola.
Gene farmed all of his life and raised livestock west of Iola. He also worked for the City of Iola almost 40 years retiring as Street and Alley Foreman. He enjoyed boating, camping, traveling and NASCAR. His interests also include rodeo and horses, and he loved following all of his kids and grandkids activities.
Gene was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church and the Iola American Legion.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Leah Tomson; three children, Jana Bowyer and husband Chris, Emporia, Marta Edwards and companion Scott Crystal, Overland Park, and Kent Tomson and wife Ronda, Iola; five grandchildren, Andy Bowyer, Clint Bowyer, Casey Bowyer, Aaron Edwards and Kylee DePrima; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Maynard Tomson.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Iola. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery in Iola. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association or Calvary United Methodist Church and may be left with the funeral home. To leave a condolence online, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
