Gene Richard Early, 73 years old, passed away Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, in a local hospital. He was born on June 30, 1949, to James and Mary Kirklin Early in Anderson, Ind.
Gene was the son of a World War II veteran/coach/school administrator, father and a research chemist mother. He recollected childhood memories of summers spent traveling the U. S. from coast to coast with his family by car with the windows open, camping under the stars and hiking the national parks. He continued his travels expanding them to a large portion of the globe with his career of industrial refrigeration, and he was highly sought after in this field.
On weekends he enjoyed driving his Ski Nautique for the Contraband Ski Club, towing his daughters and team members for countless hours during practices and performances. After his daughters were grown, he took up barefoot water skiing, enjoying many years of sunrises on the Calcasieu River barefooting with his friends.
He was fondly known as “Daddy” and “Papa Gene.” Later in life he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Super Glide, and he routinely made Sunday afternoon rounds on it to visit friends and family. He was a skilled mechanic and electrician and was frequently pitching in to help with family and church projects. A quiet man, this was one way he showed love to those in need.
He was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Moss Bluff. Late in life he settled down in his Moss Bluff home and cared for his beloved dog Chi-Chi. He was still always up for adventure when able physically and had a keen wit and sense of humor. He will be missed here on this Earth for many reasons, but mainly for the love he had for his family. His physical struggles are no more.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Kristin Groves and son-in-law, Dr. William Groves of Lake Charles; daughter, Julie Folsom and son-in-law, Leon Folsom of Lake Charles; his sister, Anne Heffernan and husband Jim Heffernan of Michigan; his grandchildren, Will, Khylee, Emily, Mary Claire, Lakyn, Kasen, Camryn, Alaya Che’, and Dayton.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Mary Early; and his brother, Joseph William Early.
His funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. The Rev. Margaret “Meg” Lovejoy will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., and on Monday from 12 noon until the start of the service at 1 p.m.
The family would like to give special thanks to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital’s emergency department and ICU teams and to Cornerstone Hospital and staff.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.