Funeral arrangements for 83-year-old Eugene “Gene” Fleschute have been set for Saturday, August 19, 2023. His family will receive family and friends from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, Blue Springs, MO. Memorial service will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the chapel. A graveside service will follow at Lobb Cemetery in Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the City Union Mission Donate to City Union Mission Memories of Gene and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Eugene ‘Gene’ Alfred Fleschute passed away on August 11th, 2023, with his children by his side. He was born on October 29, 1939, to Alfred and Lola (Roberson) Fleschute, in Waynesville, MO.
Gene graduated from Central High School in St. Louis in 1958, then moved with his family to Ferguson, MO. It was while working at McDonnell Douglas that he met the love of his life, Carolyn Leonard, and they were married in September 1960. They soon made a home in the St. Louis suburb of Calverton Park where they began raising their three children.
Gene spent most of his life working in vending and coffee/beverage services. In 1974, he sold a 7UP distributorship and accepted a transfer to a Kansas City area vending company. He moved his family to a home in Blue Springs where they would remain until after his children had grown and married. He and Carolyn moved to Independence in 2006, where Gene remained for several years after she passed. He then spent the last couple of years residing in Lee’s Summit.
Gene was a deacon ordained by the Southern Baptist Convention, serving in multiple churches and known for volunteering his time and talents to the church and for services provided by the church. He also had a reputation for his ability to fix anything; armed with a pair of pliers, wire hangers, and enough duct tape, he probably could have saved the Titanic. He enjoyed making models, collecting metal classic car models, and drawing, at which few people knew he was quite talented. However, it was playing guitar that brought him the greatest joy.
His endless devotion to Carolyn was obvious to anyone during her decade-plus battle with Alzheimer’s until her passing in July 2017. His love for family and friends never wavered; he never met a stranger. As for his children, he taught them to strive for those things that make you happy, even if you may not excel.
Gene is survived by his sisters Marilyn Norvell and Sharon (Lee) Paridy, and brother-in-law Don (Jeanne) Leonard; children Lauri Shippers, Doug (Jennifer) Fleschute, and Gwynne (Chuck) Ruedi; grandchildren Amber (Tim) Jarrett, Alec Ruedi, and Audrey Fleschute; great-grandchildren Caroline and Maggie.
Gene, You will be missed by so many. We remember you laughing and happy. Rest in peace with your lovely bride, Carolyn.
rest easy great uncle gene, you will be so dearly missed. say hi to great aunt carolyn for me.
You were loved by so many and will be missed. Now you are with the true love of your life, Carolyn.
We were so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. He and Carolyn were such a nice couple and a wonderful part of our neighborhood here at the Villas of Country Meadows. Dennis and I had many enjoyable visits with them when we were building their home and for the many years they lived here. When Dennis would disappear for awhile I could usually find him and Gene talking classic cars!! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry to hear about Gene’s passing. He was my next door neighbor. LI was extremely lucky to have him and Carolyn as neighbors. They both were exceptional people. Gene was always friendly and the whole neighborhood loved him. Should you need help or just someone to talk to, Gene was always there.. He’ll definitely be missed.
Jesus, as you raise Lauris best friend and daddy to assertion to heaven please give Lori strength and all of the family. I remeb3r meeting Gene I’m the 80s and remember him as a strong and compassionate father.
Amen
Lauri,
We’re so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We know how passionately you took care of him, along with your family.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Raymond and Saundra Dumont