Gene Scanes

Eugene Robert Scanes May 19, 1933 April 24, 2015 Gene Scanes died peacefully on April 24, 2015 in the presence of his beloved wife, sons, and family. He lived well, died well, and is now resting in peace and joy with his wonderful Lord Jesus. His family is so proud of him. A memorial service will be 1:30 Wednesday, April 29, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Pastor Derrel Marion officiating. Gene Scanes was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and spent much of his life there. He graduated from Toledo Whitmer High School and was a top running back/halfback on the high school football team. He was fast, very fast. He met the love of his life, Patricia "Pat" Ann Snyder, at church while in high school. They started dating and have been together ever since. Gene and Pat married on March 20, 1953. Soon after their marriage, Gene was drafted into the U.S. Army until he was honorably discharged in May, 1955. After his time in the U.S. Army, Gene worked for over 30 years at Libby Owens Ford "LOF", a glass plant in Toledo, Ohio. Gene retired from LOF in 1986, at the age of 53, still a young man. With his sons raised and on their own, Gene and Pat then traveled the country for about one year in an RV motorhome. They saw and enjoyed much and then, like many other Yankees, settled in Fort Meyers, Florida. Gene and Pat lived in Florida for 20 years, 1988 to 2008, which they enjoyed very much. Gene and Pat worked several years at SW Florida Auto Auction in Ft. Meyers. They liked the sun, beaches, and warm weather. Gene was an avid tennis player and was very fast on the court. He may not have had the best strokes, but he chased down everything and never quit. It was a rather stunning sight to see a 70 year-old man flying all over the tennis court, dripping with sweat. He loved it. In 2008, Gene and Pat moved to Waco, Texas, to be closer to family. It was certainly a blessing to have them close. Gene became active in Senior Kiwanis and in the Kiwanis Terrific Kids program at Parkdale and Provident Heights Elementary Schools in the Waco ISD. Gene loved the kids, and the kids loved him. He also enjoyed his time with family and with his new Texas friends, especially his friends at Senior Kiwanis and at the Saturday morning board meetings of the locals in Lorena, Texas. He enjoyed their jokes, banter, and fellowship. Much more could be said, but simply put, Gene Scanes was a good and humble man, who did his best, admitted his mistakes, and continually asked God for help and guidance. We love him and will miss him immensely. Gene is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Pat Scanes; son, Mike Scanes and his wife, Georgeen Scanes, of Lorena, Texas; son, Mark Scanes and his wife, Karen Scanes, of Richardson, Texas; grandchildren , Elizabeth Scanes and Mark Scanes in Toledo, Ohio, Cory Scanes and his wife, Dana Scanes, in San Marcos, Texas, Megan Lemley and her husband , Chris Lemley, in Xela, Guatemala; great-grandchildren, Jacob Shepard and Mark Scanes III of Toledo, Ohio; sister, Mary Lou Miller; and brother , Jerry Scanes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Kiwanis Seniors Scholarship Fund or Hope Hospice.The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.