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Gene Robert LeMonnier, age 96, went to be with Jesus Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 11, at First Baptist Church in Pawnee, OK with Pastor John Coker officiating.
Gene was born to Fay and Ava LeMonnier on March 13, 1926 in Ponca City. After attending schools there, he joined the U.S. Navy and served two years in the Asian Pacific Theater in WWII. Upon returning he married Velma Mynear of Pawnee, OK on September 14, 1946. The couple made their first home in Ponca City where they raised their two boys, Gene Jr. and Rick. Gene Jr. often compared them to the Leave It to Beaver family. Gene was a man of few words but when he spoke, they listened. The family worshipped at First Baptist Church in Ponca City.
In the early years Gene worked for the family gasoline business. Then he joined Fowler Vending/Farha Wholesale, becoming a partner and general manager for 14 years. He belonged to the VFW, the American Legion and the Moose Lodge. Then he and his wife moved to Pawnee and purchased land to pursue a lifetime dream of raising cattle. It was also very important for him to reconnect with his daughter, Lynda, and her family in Oregon. Gene ranched in the Pawnee area for 26 years and owned several businesses. He and his wife were a hard-working team. He often said that everything was for sale except Velma. Gene loved the outdoors, was an avid gardener and voracious reader. They attended the Episcopal Church in Pawnee.
Gene and Velma vacationed in many places during their 77+ years of marriage. One of their favorite trips was going to visit their son and his wife in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. He especially enjoyed catching a 45-pound sailfish in the Persian Gulf. Another highlight was participating in the Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. in 2017 with his son, Rick. He and Velma became big Thunder fans and attended one of their games courtside.
Gene is survived by his wife Velma, daughter Lynda (Ed) Bryson of Klamath Falls, OR and son Rick (Teresa) LeMonnier of Ponca City, OK, grandchildren Kim (Breck) Angleton of Houston, TX, Brian (Tara) Bryson of Klamath Falls, OR and Joe (Anne) Bryson of Surprise, AZ, 7 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by son Gene Robert LeMonnier Jr., parents F.O. and Ava LeMonnier and brother Guy (Imogene) LeMonnier.
After reading his obituary Velma said that she’d marry him again!!!
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