Eugene Jerome Gosnell

Gene was born in Merced, California to Riley and Bertha Gosnell. Gene grew up in Coos Bay, Oregon where he had a passion for athletics, particularly where he could use his gift for speed. Gene’s high school athletics eventually gave way to larger pursuits. He shared a story that when his mother for fear of injury, didn’t want to allow him to play high school football. Gene convinced her, at the age of seventeen, into giving her permission for his enlistment into the U.S. Navy.  After basic training, Gene was accepted for training as a machinist mate. Completing that school, he began service on the USS Bryce Canyon AD36. That lasted multiple tours in the Korean War theater on his tender ship supporting larger vessels.

Gene wanted a family life and he felt his military specialty would keep him at sea during much of any further enlistments. He elected to return to civilian life and joined Colleen Scott in marriage in 1954.  They eventually settled in Issaquah, Washington and Gene started a long career with Overall Laundry Services diligently growing and servicing accounts in the rapidly expanding Southcenter region.

Gene and Carol adopted their two children:  Christopher Allen in 1962 and Coralea in 1965. The family was active in Issaquah schools, community projects and Gene coached numerous athletic teams for baseball, softball and basketball. Through the years, Gene has often shared his pride in his children and the people and citizens they had become. Coralea’s son, Desmond “Dee” had a special spot in in his grandfather’s heart.

Ever the athlete, Gene himself enjoyed full court recreational basketball competition well into his forties. As a fan he avidly followed the Mariners, Huskies (both men and women) and of course our NFL team. Gene was a knowledgeable Seahawk fan who had supported the team from his earliest King Dome season tickets right up until this recent season. The family marveled at Gene’s ability to recall so many detailed player facts. NFL Draft days were three days of watching and recording handwritten notes.

In 1985 Gene married Shirley Lovre. After his retirement from Overall they both took on the adventure of building a second home in Talkeetna, Alaska. Gene’s mother and sister lived in Talkeetna and both Gene and Shirly were taken by the people, lifestyle and natural beauty. Their dream was realized when they built and finished a large log home with an expansive view of Mt. McKinley. Gene and Shirley were able to enjoy their years in the Talkeetna community and made many friendships.

In 2013 with the desire to be closer to the now three generations of family they came back to Washington state and settled in Puyallup.

Gene was predeceased by his parents, and son Christopher. He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Coralea, grandson Desmond, step-daughter Cynthia Flood (Wayne), step-son Wayne Lovre (Michaela) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gene was a kind, honest and hardworking person and he is deeply missed.