WITHROW, Eugene Luis (Gene)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Eugene Luis Withrow, 80, a resident of Orchard Ranch Senior Living Community in Dewey, Arizona, passed away peacefully at his stepson's home in Prescott, Arizona, on Saturday evening, Sept. 19, 2015, five days after being diagnosed with leukemia. Many members of his family were present. He is survived by his beloved and cherished soulmate and wife of 11 years, Marilyn (Bowlsby Maddalena) Withrow; a daughter, Teresa Jane (Bill) Kaiser; sons: Eugene Willard and Andrew Wayne (Kelsi); stepsons Scott (Gigi) Bowlsby; Randy Bowlsby, and Jeff (Berdie) Bowlsby; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Gene was the oldest of eight, and is also survived by his two sisters: Fern (Roy) Diener; and Marcia (Stu) Keeler; and sister-in-law, Amy Withrow. Gene was preceded in death by his mother Bessie, father Marion; four sisters, Bessie Ann Withrow, Maureen Withrow, Marian Phillips and Patricia Cunningham; and his brother, Ernest "Butch" Withrow. Gene loved spending time with his family, dogs, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. He worked as a welder on nuclear submarines during his service in the Navy during the Korean War, and continued on as a government employee working on submarines and dismantling ships until his retirement. He also served 17 years as a volunteer fireman for the Kitsap Fire Department, and two years as elected Fire Commissioner. Since his retirement, he became a Master Mason, and became involved with other service organizations, such as Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron in Checotah, Olahoma. He spent five years happily cattle ranching in Oklahoma before moving to Arizona. He believed in community service, helping children, and commonly devoted many hours to animal welfare organizations ... all of it with a smile and grand sense of humor. There will be a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life on Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. at Hampton Funeral Home, 240 S. Cortez St. in Prescott, with representatives of the Masons, Eastern Star, VFW, Korean War Veterans, Firemen and the Boy Scouts. The officiant will be Chaplain Jared Wockenfuss from the Canyon River Community Hospice. Following the service, there will be full military honors at the Prescott National Cemetery. A private family gathering is planned, following the service. Information provided by survivors.