Oct 25, 1938 - Aug 2, 2012 OKLAHOMA CITY Gene was born in Bethany, OK to Morris and Ellen Mann. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country for 10 years. He then joined the Oklahoma City Police Department and served the people of Oklahoma City and the nearby communities for many years. From there, he joined American Farmers and Ranchers Insurance Co. as an insurance adjustor until his retirement. As a young man, he loved car and motorcycle racing and raced motorcycles himself. In 1968, Gene and a friend, Jim Taylor, built the first clear plastic Grand Prix on a budget of $1,500. Their discovery of using pliable plastic made possible several safety innovations. He was an avid fisherman and racing enthusiast throughout his life. He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Cobb; stepsons, Tracy Beamer and David Beamer; stepdaughters, Dawn Courtney and Denise Salt; grandsons, John Thomas Hickerson, David Beamer II, Dustin Beamer, and Alec Salt; and granddaughters, Megan Beamer and Kynsey Courtney. This fun-loving man will be missed by everyone who knew him. He always brought laughter and happiness to those around him. Memorial Service Pending.
Published in The Oklahoman on August 7, 2012
