Eugene "Gene" Wilson

Eugene “Gene” Wilson, 79, of La Junta was welcomed home by Our Lord after passing away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 27, 2009. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel with Reverend Terilynn Russ of the La Junta United Methodist Church officiating.
He was born on February 3, 1930 in Hopewell, Kansas to Charles & Gladys (Bolsinger) Wilson. He was one of seven children.
Gene graduated from Trousdale, KS High School and he served in the US Navy during the Korean War.
He married Janice “Pat” Vanek in September 1956 in Hays, KS. Born to this union were three daughters, Debra (Mark) Johnston, Mickey (Bob) Crane, and Kim (Sam) Grimsley. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Janice and five brothers.
Gene was the proud owner of several IGA Supermarkets in Kansas where he was very active in the Chamber of Commerce, VFW, Elks & Moose Lodges. He moved to La Junta in 1971 and was the manager of Gibson’s until his retirement in 1992.
His greatest joy was found in his grandchildren, Rex Johnston, LeAnne (Casey) Brooks, Scott (Sophia Salazar) Sutherland, Kyle (Michelle Masias) Sutherland, and Jay Grimsley. Also survive are two great-grandchildren.
Beyond being an avid Colorado sports fan and enthusiastic traveler, Gene was “King of the Bar-b-que” at frequent family gatherings.
Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the La Junta Tiger Football Field through the funeral home.