With no new stories to tell, Gene Russell Bruce took his final Journey in the early afternoon of April 5, 2022. His ride or die of 67 years, Margery (Mitchell) Bruce was by his side.
Gene was born in Chicago, IL on June 12, 1936 to parents George Robert Bruce and Anna (Hoffman) Bruce. His love of adventure began when he was earning his Eagle Scout Award and continued throughout his life. In 1954, he became an Apprentice Pharmacist while attending College in the same field. He took a job with a Pharmaceutical Company to support his young and growing family and moved them from Chicago to Indiana in 1972, Overland Park, Kansas in 1975 and Rockwall, Texas in 1981. As a Division Sales Manager with Merrell-Dow Pharmaceuticals, he opted for early retirement instead of moving to Buffalo, NY. After a couple years of riding his motorcycles and driving his Alfa Spider, he decided to start a Manufacturer’s Rep Business that focused on high quality product lines of better men’s clothing and western wear. He loved travelling, telling life stories, and getting together with friends in the Motorcycle and Car Clubs he was active with for many years. In 2000, Marg and Gene moved back to the Missouri side of the river and settled into the City of Lee’s Summit. They were both members of the Woods Chapel United Methodist Church and enjoyed Sunday School and the friends they made there. Marg and Gene lived an adventurous retirement; travelling the world, fishing for salmon in Alaska, zip-lining in Costa Rica, para-sailing in Hawaii and visiting Gene’s favorite destination, Morocco. They were both active in a dinner group that took them all over the city to discover new tastes and played couples bridge regularly before Gene ‘s mobility became an issue for him. And then, Co-Vid changed everything for everyone!
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anna and his youngest daughter Virginia (Bruce) Stevenson. He is survived by his wife Margery, a younger brother, four adult children, twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Cards and letters may be sent to Margery Bruce c/o The Anthology, 2 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., #514, Kansas City, MO 64112. At Gene’s request, there was no wake or funeral. However, a Celebration of Life is being planned for June, the month of his birth!
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home Independence, MO 816-796-8600