Gene Leon Price

Gene Leon Price

1928 - 2014 | Obituary

Gene Leon Price went to be with the Lord on March 28, 2014.

His journey in this life began April 25, 1928, as he was born into the home of Val and Pearl (Mecum) Price of Newton. In 1956, he met Frances Goodman from Corpus Christi, Texas, and they were married later that year. Dating for a period of 11 days, the marriage lasted more than 57 years. They adopted two children: David Price, who died in 1991, and Debbie Price Jackson, who died in 2007.

His first school years were spent in the Newton school system. In his earlier years, his parents took him to some talented musical concerts which attracted his interest. He began studying clarinet, saxophone and piano and eventually became drum major in the high school band.

Of numerous musical scholarships offered, he chose Wichita University. He was very active in the band and choral ensembles. Further study was received at San Diego State University with Robert Shaw and Julius Hereford of the Julliard School of music. He also studied in sociology at Emporia State and Sterling College. In 1958, he served as vocal and instrumental director at Central Christian High School in Hutchinson.

He also had a flair for tennis and basketball. Upon graduating he was chosen by Fog Allen to help give shooting tips to 500 high school coaches. Upon graduation, he had a very unusual opportunity to coach men's basketball and teach vocal and instrumental music. Following that pressure packed year, he ended up in the Mayo Clinic with ulcers!

Later, he entered the Big Band era for a number of years. The emptiness of such a life style caused him to look for a deep and truthful answer to life. After leaving California, he came back to Kansas and heard a message that changed his life. It taught of the only One who could bring salvation to the soul: Jesus Christ.

Looking back on his earlier learning years, it seemed this journey began to knit together as he had a musical background. While in radio school, he learned to write. Spending over 30 years broadcasting, he was able to utilize most of his talents in ministry.

He directed Youth for Christ in Newton and Hutchinson, learning to know and work with such talented ministers as A.W. Tozier, Jerry Falwell, John R. Rice and Jack Van Impe. He spent a number of years working with Dr. Dave Breese, producing Dave Breese Reports on hundreds of radio stations. He also worked in nationwide broadcasts on the Family Altar Program with Lester Roloff. Opportunities arose to give concerts with columnist Cal Thomas, Sandy Patty and Pat Boone, among others.

He and his wife, Frances, spent much of their lives working with underprivileged children and drug addicts through the Roloff Evangelistic Enterprises.

For the last few years, he had been the editor of the Family Altar News, writing various articles for the publication and serving as president of the board of Roloff Evangelistic Enterprises. For a number of years, he and his wife served as director of the Union Rescue Mission and Haven of Hope in Wichita.

His love for golf, tennis and basketball were continuous. His special love was for his wife, Frances. Their special love is for their granddaughters: Andi, Kati and Abbi.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; their granddaughters: Andi, Kati and Abbi; and their son-in-law, Doug Jackson.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, April 4, at Koerner Heights Church of the Mennonite Brethren in Newton. Visitation will be on April 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home, with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

A memorial has been set up for Roloff Evangelistic Enterprises. Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published in The Kansan from Apr. 1 to Apr. 4, 2014