Eugene Gerald Lawhon, a beloved father, devoted husband and a friend with open arms to all, was welcomed into the Lord’s warm embrace in the comfort of his home in Overland Park, Kansas, on Saturday, March 23, 2024. He was 65.
Gene was born Dec. 2, 1958, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier grade school, the 1977 class of Bishop LeBlond Memorial High School in St. Joseph, and, in 1982, of Creighton University’s pharmacy program. He spent his 40-plus working years in the pharmacy system of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Heartland Regional Medical Center and Mosaic Life Care. He was a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in St. Joseph.
Gene married Jean Marie (Thedinga) Lawhon on April 26, 1985. They enjoyed nearly four decades of happiness, even as Gene’s health deteriorated over a decade-long fight against metastatic prostate cancer. Their companionship was evident in all they chose to take on together — the blissful chaos of children, the simple delights of wine and home cooking, the emotional roller coaster of a Mizzou, Creighton, Chiefs or Royals sporting event, or the contentment of a sunset and a Bruce Springsteen song on the backyard deck.
His work career provided security for himself and his family, but Gene found his greatest fulfillment when connected with nature. He loved tending to his garden. He adored walks with the family golden retriever. A good sweat from mowing the yard and a crisp lager afterward meant an afternoon well-spent. Gene found awe in viewing the tallest mountain peaks and soaking in the vast expanse and sound of ocean waves.
Most important of all, Gene was dedicated to his family in the face of adversity. When his father passed away during Gene’s teenage years, Gene made an unwavering pledge to care for his mother for the rest of his days. Despite his own condition worsening, he found the energy to be a bright light for his three young grandchildren in their innocent presence. He maintained a quick wit and goofy sense of humor during appropriate and unexpected circumstances. His infinite support of and pride in his sons was reflected by their admiration of all he tenaciously endured.
Everyone who encountered Gene found a steady hand and an invitation that they could be at home. It is a testament to the community he cultivated that the sadness of his passing will not weaken the bond forged among those touched by his understated kindness.
Gene is survived by his wife; three sons: Daniel, of West Des Moines, Iowa, Mark (Jennifer), of Prairie Village, Kansas, and Patrick (Megan), of Overland Park; his brother, Joe (LuAnn); his mother, Mary Ann (Morlock) Lawhon; three grandchildren: Peyton and Leah Lawhon, and Cayden Lawhon; and many nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his father, Lee Lawhon; and his father- and mother-in-law, Bill and Virginia Thedinga.
The family suggests that memorial donations be directed to the Noyes Home for Children in St. Joseph; St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church; or the Taylor Lorenz Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Bishop LeBlond Memorial High School.
A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel in St. Joseph, Missouri. The family will receive friends following the prayer service until 8 p.m. Mass of Resurrection: 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Francis Xavier Church, St. Joseph, Missouri. Inurnment: Mount Olivet Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri.
