Gene Rogers Rose Sr. was born on April 2,1934 in Dallas, Georgia to parents Johnnie and Nora Rose. Exactly 90 years later, surrounded by friends and loved ones, he peacefully passed away on April 2,2024.
He grew up on a farm of 186 acres, which his parents, aunt and uncle had purchased in Marietta Georgia. The family established a sawmill and later a dairy farm and this is where at an early age Gene learned the merits of hard work and responsibility. In high school he was a member of ROTC and FFA, voted president his senior year. After high school, he attended the University of Georgia, studying Business Administration and Agriculture to become an Agriculture teacher.
He was drafted into the Army, which ultimately changed his life plans, being sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland to study Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Systems Repair. He graduated 3rd out of a class of 60.
After his military experience he worked in various positions until he was hired at Delta Airlines in Atlanta, GA as an Electrical and Instrumental Technician. This is where his brilliant mind merged with his love of airplanes which continued to grow and never ceased. He was also specifically selected to be a team member accepting 16 Convair 880’s Aircraft from the factory in San Diego, CA. One of these became the “Lisa Marie” that sits in Graceland. In addition, he was chosen to travel to Caracas, Venezuela to teach Viasa Airlines the proper maintenance and repair of the Convair 880’s.
He left Delta to start his own business in Marietta GA called GR Rose Engineering and Construction which provided services in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Due to ongoing respiratory health issues, he decided in 1978 to sell his business, home, equipment and cattle, and move out west. He dearly loved his cattle and stated that they were the hardest to let go of.
August 1978 he and his current family arrived in Tucson, AZ and that was the start of establishing his roots in the desert. Soon after he was hired as an Electrical and Mechanical Director for the Tucson Medical Center Expansion project. He then became Project Administrator for a confidential client of AC Martin, that under his administration “set 6 firsts” in the history of this client, later known as IBM. Many years later, Engineering-Science hired him to become Project Manager/Resident Construction Manager for City of Sedona phase one Wastewater Facilities. Gene then decided it was time to start his own company called Rose Electric. Little did he know, but eventually that company would give him the opportunity to meet the love of his life, Louanne Whitmire. Gene married his most precious gift on February 15th,1986, and they recently celebrated their 38th anniversary.
Gene Rogers Rose Sr was an incredibly intelligent, humble, spiritual, loving person who left a positive impact on our society in so many ways. His favorite activities were going to services at Calvary Chapel, chatting with friends, gardening, coming up with solutions to problems, and visiting Mesa Gateway Airport.
He was preceded in death by his parents Johnnie and Nora Rose. He is survived by his loving wife Louanne Rose, Daughter Judi (Scott) Rose-Martin, Daughter Jennifer (James) Ponce de Leon, Son Gene (Yuki) Rogers Rose Jr, Daughter Mitzi Stevens and Daughter Angela James. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Services will be held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens in Mesa, AZ on April 13, 2024. Viewing will begin at 12:00, service at 1:00, internment at 2:00 and Reception at 2:30 and all will be held at the same location.
We know that he is Flying high and free to Gods celestial shore…
He will be in our hearts forever more…