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
