CARMEL – Twenty-year Carmel resident, Gene Conley died Friday, August 23, 2013, following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Erma Grace (Fuller) Conley. He is survived by four children, Dr. Tom (Sara) Conley of Austin, Texas, Roger (Rebecca) Conley of Chevy Chase, MD, John Conley (Cathy Lang) of Omaha, NE, and Dr. Sue Conley (Dr. Michael Steighorst) of Middleton, WI; six grandchildren; brother, Curtis in Denver, CO, and sister, Claire in London, England.
Gene was a veteran of the US Navy where he was a naval aviator at the end of World War II. He was appointed a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and was a member of the Strategic Air Command Consultation Committee.
Born in Nebraska City, Gene attended the University of Nebraska. Married in 1948, he and Erma had four children while he established himself as a leader in the life insurance industry. He began his career as a sales agent, then quickly ascended to management where he was the Director of Agencies at American Mutual Life in Des Moines. In 1972, the family returned to Omaha where he became President, CEO and later Chairman of Guarantee Mutual Life.
Gene was an active participant in the life of the Church of the Wayfarer in Carmel.
Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 10:00 am at Church of the Wayfarer, Carmel, CA. A private burial is planned for Omaha.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Foundation for Monterey County, 2354 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940 or Church of the Wayfarer, PO Box 2205, Carmel, CA 93921.
visit www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign the online guest book for Gene and leave messages for his family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Monterey Herald on Aug. 27, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Conley

15 Entries

Chuck and Odette Ebersole

August 22, 2023

We fondly remember spending time with Gene and Erma Grace in their home in Carmel. Those were very memorable times with two awesome friends. God's gain and our loss!!!!

Chuck and Odette Ebersole

August 22, 2019

Gene, you have got to be excited to be with ErmaGrace forever. God has had a place for you two. Tell Hi from Odette and I. We talk with him everyday, but you get to see him everyday. You are missed but selfishly. Tell John Kingsley, George Sloan, JD Anderson, and Dave Debore, Mitch Mitchel, and all of our GMLC associates that have joined you in Heaven Hi from Chuck and Odette.

September 17, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Family of Gene Conley. Sue and Michael my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I know you will deeply miss your father Sue. Sally Schutte

September 15, 2013

Gene carried himself with true class and sensitivity. My condolences to all that miss him.

Rick Rask

September 5, 2013

We visited Gene often in Carmel, the last time was early August, his family was coming in that day and he was looking forward to seeing them!! I've been a friend since 1966, when I went to work for him as a life agent in California, and we stayed in touch throughout the years! We walked by his home in Carmel just a few days ago, not aware of the recent service unfortunately, hoping to see a family member. "At Ease" Gene, Jimmy and Martha Tallarico.

Tony Coffey

September 4, 2013

Gene was such a wonderful man and I have very fond memories of him. I am a life insurance agent in MN. In the early 80's I worked at an agency that exclusively worked with Guarantee Mutual Life. February was always the President's Month sales contest. If our agency won then Gene and Erma Grace would come to MN for a special dinner. We did win and they came to MN. As my wife Bonnie and I went thru the receiving line Gene turned to Bonnie, addressed her by name then asked how our girls, Suzanne and Colleen, were. Here was a man that was running a life insurance company with over 100 employees and even more agents, yet he took time prior to our dinner to memorize not only my wife's name but also the names of our children. That kind of care and concern has stayed with me over the years and is so rare in today's business environment. Gene was one of a kind, a true gentleman and will truly be missed.

Chuck and Odette Ebersole

September 2, 2013

We have so many great memories working with Gene. He was a man you wanted to do the best you could whenever you were working with him or for him.

He was truly a "Man of Class". Our prayers go out to his great family. He was so proud of you all. He was ready to tell of all of your successes when ever asked. We cannot say enough about how he impacted our lives. Thank you Gene. You never will be forgotten. Tell Erma Grace we say hi....give her a big "bone crusher" for us. Chuck and Odette Ebersole

August 29, 2013

We hold dear, loving memories of the fun, honest gentleman we are blessed to call friend! Bone crushers to you and EG.

Ryan Lehr

August 28, 2013

We shared many Omaha memories, and he brightened up our office with his presence. He is a great man and will be missed.

August 28, 2013

Sorry for you loss. A great man.
Jeannine Rask

Vicki Krecek

August 27, 2013

Truly a wonderful person. I am sure that his children carry on his caring personality and that of their mother. It was a joy to know them

Patti Atkins

August 26, 2013

May you be at peace Mr. Conley.

August 25, 2013

John,
You and yours will be in my prayers. God bless you.

Ross Pantano

Bill Fead

August 25, 2013

Thanks for your Military Service to Our Country.
Past Commander V.F.W.
Lived on 39th St. as a young lad, up the St. from Fullers

Bill Miskell

August 25, 2013

John
My deepest condolences. Your father was a gentle leader whose kindness was reflected in the manner he treated others. Your and your family will be in my prayers.

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