Gene Slack
(1929 - 2020)
Obituary
Gene L. Slack passed away on March 4, 2020 in Leawood,
Kansas with family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Gerri Slack
(married 1981) and his six children David (Cheryl) Slack, Celina, Texas; Tom
(Jeannie) Slack, Leawood; Janis (Tom) Fitch, Scottsdale, Arizona; Jill (Brent)
Beckman, Leawood; Nancy (Chip) Davis, Evergreen, Colodrado; Carol (Lisa Lusk)
Slack, Leawood. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 12 great
grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents Harold and Lois Slack, Sister Patti
(Slack) Clark and brother Kenneth Slack.
Gene was born December 31,1929 in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas
to Harold and Lois Slack. Gene joined his sister, Patti, and brother Kenny.
Gene graduated from high school in Oskaloosa, Iowa in 1948, earning all-state
honors in basketball. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1952 with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and played on the golf and
basketball teams. Gene married Mildred Steward in 1951. After a short time in
Georgia, they moved to Newton in 1953.
Gene was a good businessman and a man of service and civic
leadership. In 1957, he purchased a partnership interest in Goering Insurance
Agency, and served as Secretary-Treasurer. Later he co-owned Hershberger and
Slack Agency. Gene ended his professional career with Heinze Insurance. In
1964, Gene was recognized by the State of Kansas Junior Chamber of Commerce as
Newton Distinguished Service Award winner and Outstanding Young Man while
serving on the State of Kansas School Board. Gene was the first non-Jaycee
member to receive the Newton Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. He later
became a member of the Newton Jaycees. He was also a member of American Legion,
Rotary (past secretary and board member) and the Chamber of Commerce. Gene
served on the Newton Country Club Board, the board of the State Assn. of Mutual
Insurance Agents, Vice President of the Newton Insurance Board, the Newton
School Board, was Treasurer and President of the Newton Chamber of Commerce,
the Board of Trustees at Kansas State Bank, and the Board of Family Health Plan
Health Maintenance Organization. Gene was an ordained Elder, Deacon, Treasurer
and choir member at First Presbyterian Church of Newton. Gene was a member of
the Newton Country Club for 50+ years. Gene was a scratch golfer and enjoyed
many years as a successful amateur golfer, winning the Newton City and Country
Club championships numerous times, as well as bringing home a trophy from the
State Amateur one year, winning the President's Flight. He loved KU basketball,
enjoyed music and having a good time. Gene loved and was extremely proud of his
children and grandchildren.
Gene will be interred at Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.
Memorials are suggested to St. Luke's Midwest Ear Institute
and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Please send cards to the
attention of Gerri Slack, 500 W. Bluestem, Apt. C-2, North Newton, KS 67117
and/or Carol Slack, 14340 Norwood St., Leawood, KS 66224.
