Eugene (Gene) Grasmick

April 10, 1933 - October 27, 2023

Eugene Grasmick, 90, of Staunton, Virginia, passed away October 27, 2023. He was born April 10, 1933, to Pete & Elizabeth (Ring) Grasmick. Gene grew up in the Arkansas Valley, living in La Junta, Rocky Ford, and Swink.

He married Lillian Mae Miller in 1949, and from that union, they had five wonderful children. Gene farmed throughout the valley before beginning a career with NIBCO in 1969. He later transferred to Stuarts Draft, Virginia, after the closing of the La Junta plant. While in Virginia, Lillian was diagnosed with ALS. They auctioned off all their possessions, bought an RV and started their RV’ing journey, traveling through 45 states along with two trips to Hawaii and Alaska. Lillian passed away in 1996.

Gene remarried Sylvia Jane Erlich, and they resided in La Junta. They also spent several years wintering in Arizona and blessing the lives of those they touched. Gene loved the outdoor lifestyle. He loved to fish, hunt and travel, but his true passion was gardening for the neighborhood, caring for his beautiful roses, and manicuring his lawn. He also never refused a chance to cut down a tree!

Gene loved to tell stories, solve problems, and lend a helping hand to others. He was a very generous man and found true joy in giving to others. To the kids, and even some adults, he was known as the candy man as he always had his bag of Tootsie Roll Pops to give out.

Gene had an exciting life. He loved his family and friends and getting together for all the birthday and holiday celebrations. He will be missed greatly.

Gene loved the salvation he found in serving the Lord, and was never bashful about sharing this love with others. Gene and Lillian both loved and served the Lord throughout their whole lives. The family rests in peace knowing he is now in the arms of Jesus Christ.

Gene is survived by his children, Dean (Loma) Grasmick of Fruita, Dwight (Joanne) Grasmick of Ankeny, Iowa, Deborah (Bob) Pence of Staunton, Virginia, Mark (Rose) Grasmick of Phoenix, Arizona, and Steve Grasmick of Grand Junction; and sister, Cynthia (Dave) Wilkinson of Asbury, Missouri.

Gene leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 12 great great grandchildren, who will miss the wisdom and life stories he had to share. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian, in 1996 and second wife, Sylvia, in 2019.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to plant a tree or a bush in your own yard in memory of Gene.

Funeral Service will be held November 10, 2023,, at 11:00 a.m. at Valley Community Church in Rocky Ford. Interment will be at Monday, November 13, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford.

Arrangements are under the direction of Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory.