Gene MacGregor Culver was born in Los Angeles and raised in Chivington in southeastern Colorado during the Depression and the Dust Bowl. He knew plenty about hardship, having lived in a train car in his earliest years. His mom cleaned a half-inch of dust off of everything each morning, he said. But his family’s deep wellspring of love and learning served them through the tough years, as they slowly made their way to a neighboring town (Eads), and to a little bit more economic prosperity. His dad’s gas station and his mom’s catering business helped them raise Gene, his sister Margaret, and his sister Virginia. Sadly, Margaret died at a young age of meningitis, an event that was as sad as it was lingering in their hearts.

Gene excelled at school, for which he gave credit to his mom, a former teacher. In his tiny hometown, his graduating class had just 13 kids. His long-lasting relationships with them are testament to his gregariousness and his ability to see the good in everyone – skills that served him all his life. He enrolled at the University of Colorado at Boulder to study math and chemistry, then later enlisted in the Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Hornet for the better part of his four years’ service in the waters outside Korea. He enjoyed his work on the ship but noted that his bunk was right by the giant piston that slammed every time a plane took off or landed.

Gene met Anne Culbertson at an eastern Colorado dance and married her about a year later, and a year after that their first child, Kyna, was born. They lived in Denver as Dad started building his career with Dun & Bradstreet. He would drive around the West and Southwest, meeting with business owners, reviewing their books, and contributing to D&B ratings for all those businesses. Son Kyle came along four years later, and a short while after that, Gene was transferred to Topeka, Kansas, for D&B and later to St. Louis – where Keri was born. He and Anne were active in Toastmasters/Toastmistresses, their bowling and bridge leagues, and a square-dancing club, while also spending loads of time with the kids in pursuing hobbies and outdoor activities.

Gene always had a desire to have his own business, like his father had. He tried selling insurance for others’ agencies until one year he finally took the leap to become his own boss in the insurance game. His amiable nature, analytical eye, and clear goals helped him succeed for decades in his chosen field, in his chosen state of Missouri. As good as his eye for detail was at keeping all that paperwork up to date, he seemed also to love being with people, finding a way to meet their needs, and keeping up with their families over generations.

Gene and Anne divorced in 1980 but his relationships with his kids were never in question. He joined the St. Louis Jazz Society, volunteered at the Progressive Youth Center, pushed his business to succeed, and …. When he read Ethelyn’s ad which said, “I’ve been turned in for a newer model,” he quickly penned the reply: “I’m of the opinion that they don’t make ‘em like they used to” – and that was that. A few games of bridge and saucy exchanges later, and he and Ethelyn were never apart again. They moved to Saint Peters, where they were together until moving into assisted living this January.

Gene never had a shortage of pursuits – he studied Spanish, Russian, Italian, Latin and Portuguese; he learned to ski at 57 and skied avidly till he was 83, having taken two or more trips with family and friends every ski season. He collected coins from all over the world as well as license plates. He was a writer and penned two self-published books, one on foreign phrases used in English, called “Et tu, et cetera”, and another on overlooked 20th-century figures, which he called “Legends Don’t Have to Die.” Both showed his wry wit and playfulness with language. He wrote articles, letters to the editor, and family memories for his kids and granddaughter. He collected well-expressed insults, which tickled him, but he never used them on a living soul.

Gene did use his sharp wit while playing innumerable games with family and friends. He was a real-life poker shark, and could eviscerate opponents in cribbage, bridge, spades and hearts, “Oh hell,” canasta, casino, and any card game he came across. He played board games, family favorites “red bowl” and catchphrase; and also, mini golf and par-3 courses, bowling, ping pong and billiards. He was an enthusiastic dancer, able to pick up many styles and types of music through the years.

From a young age, Gene golfed. This hobby stayed with him throughout his life and was a source of enormous fun, frustration, and friendships. In the insurance business, he made a troupe of friends that call themselves “The Sunshine Boys” – and their somewhat more business-like offshoot “The Procrastinators’ Club” – and this group of guys and gals have been closely involved with each others’ lives for decades. Golf was a big part of their friendships, but just the start. Regular breakfast, lunch, coffee and dinner dates, a speakers’ series, travel, and being there for each other’s family milestones. Their shared sense of humor was always sharp but never unkind, and their shared outdoor lunches during Covid were a source of fun that couldn’t be had any other way.

Gene used his carpentry skills to adapt to whatever need existed – so his finished products fit tight spaces, displayed heirlooms, made things function more easily, and fixed some problem or another. He built a massive coin display case that showed off his collection and has recently been acquired with thanks by his local coin shop. His desktop organizers grace the desks of his family and friends all over the world. The steel-strung tennis racket his dad used has been displayed in a purpose-built frame with a personalized plaque.

Gene was an avid historian who read widely and who worked to understand the bigger picture and lessons of history. He cared about politics because he was convinced there were better ways to run things, and his understanding of history helped him focus his concerns. He was active as an election judge – because as difficult as it is, he knew democracy was our only hope. Always very fiscally conservative, Gene was at the same time a fierce defender of women’s rights – the strong-minded and independent women in his life were ample persuasion for him. He was a defender, in fact, of anyone who wanted to make a better life for themselves and others.

All of these pursuits, hobbies, games, and sports were ways Gene connected to others inside and outside the family. Never content to sit and watch TV or movies, Gene always had a string of things he’d do instead, from reading and writing, to genealogy of his parents’ extended families, to physical exercise, to always “being there” for his kids. A good portion of his time was spent keeping in touch with his high school friends, family reunions, and all the people he collected throughout his long life. His 93 years were active, engaged, and connected ones, and he found every opportunity to be with all the people he loved, even from afar.

Gene’s family takes this opportunity to remember with love Gene’s father, Bill, his mother, Hilda, and his sister, Margaret, all of whom are surely elated to see him again.

Gene is survived by his sister, Virginia (Snyder) Culver; daughter, Kyna; son, Kyle; daughter, Keri; and granddaughter, Lauren. In addition to his significant other Ethelyn, he is also dearly remembered by Ethelyn’s daughter, Pat; sister, Carol; and niece Edie, and their kids and grandkids – Gene’s great-grands. He will be interred next to his mother, father and sister in his childhood home in Colorado. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you remember Gene when you contribute generously to your favorite charity. He’d like that.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.