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Eugene Toombs Obituary
Toombs, III, Eugene "Gene"
79, died Saturday, September 26, 2020. He called both St. Louis, MO and Longboat Key, FL home. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judith (Choborda) Toombs; his son, Eugene (Lynn) Toombs IV; and two grandchildren, Alexandra and Graham. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Woods.
Born September 25, 1941 in New Jersey, he was the son of Eugene Toombs, Jr. and Dorothy (Croghan) Toombs. He graduated from Irvington High School in 1959 and Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in business management. Gene and Judy were married in 1963 after dating since high school. After the wedding, he served in the National Guard at Fort Ord in California.
After his service, career stops included Fluid Chemical, American Can, Boise Cascade, and Sonoco Products. In 1970, business opportunities relocated Gene and Judy to St. Louis. In 1975, while at Boise Cascade, Gene earned an Executive Education degree from Harvard Business School.
In 1989, Gene joined MiTek Industries, as Vice President and President of a major division. He became Chairman, President, and CEO shortly after, and led the company through rapid growth. Gene and his team consummated 37 acquisitions, which tripled the size of the company. By his own admission, the highlight of his career was orchestrating the 2001 sale of the company to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. from Rexam PLC. Gene retired in 2012 as Chairman Emeritus, after earning a lifelong reputation as a master salesman, leader, mentor, and friend to many in his career.
Gene strongly believed in giving back to causes he believed in. He chaired the boards of St. Luke's Hospital, Junior Achievement, and the St. Louis Science Center. He also served as a trustee for Webster University and the Missouri Botanical Garden. In addition, he was a director for the Central Institute for the Deaf, the Regional Business Council, and was a member of the President's Council for The Magic House in St. Louis. He was honored with the Great Friend to Kids Award from The Magic House in 2015 and the Gold Leadership Award from Junior Achievement USA in 2016.
He also served as a corporate director for Auto Club Enterprises (AAA), St. Louis Trust Company, and Duke Manufacturing.
An avid golfer, Gene treasured the many friendships on the 19th hole as much as the competition itself. He was a long-time member at the Bogey Golf Club, St. Louis Country Club, and Longboat Key Club in Longboat Key, Florida.
Services: Visitation at the Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, Sunday. October 4 from 4-8 p.m. Private memorial service and interment on October 5. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to St. Luke's Hospital, The Magic House, or Central Institute for the Deaf.
Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home osfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Toombs
Randy & Tricia
September 25, 2022
Thinking of you today on your birthday, can't believe it's been two years. Miss ya cuz.
Randy
Kay Rylee
January 3, 2022
My Dear Friend Judy,
I just read today that Gene died. I´m so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful friend to Bob and I. I´m going to try to get in touch with you so we can talk.
I love you my Friend,
Kay Rylee
901-481-1561
Belinda Bond
May 11, 2021
Belinda Bond
May 11, 2021
To Judith & family. Gene was always encouraging when I saw them at the Berkshire shareholder meeting. God bless you.
Michael A. Schulz
October 5, 2020
I am deeply saddened about the loss of a wonderful human being. Gene approached me upon my arrival in St. Louis and invited me to become a commissioner of the St. Louis Science Center. He was instrumental in helping me become a part of the Science Center community. I got to know him as an incredible leader and partner. As someone who deeply cared about advancing science and advocating for the people and community of St. Louis. I will forever be grateful for everything I learned from Gene. To the Toombs family I want to express my sincere sympathy for your loss.
Justin Williamson
October 4, 2020
Gene was a good friend, very Nice & polite gentlemen, well respected by everyone & to say it all - Gene was the MAN. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY & HIS SOUL. JAW
Maged Diab
October 4, 2020
Our condolences to Judy, Gene IV and the rest of the family on your loss. Gene was a great leader and a business visionary, but most of all he was a gracious and caring friend who made everyone around him better. We were lucky to have known Gene and he influenced our lives immensely. He will leave a legacy that will for sure endure in many of us. May God give you peace and eternal rest. Maged and Yara Diab
Dick Toler
October 4, 2020
I was sadden and shocked to learn of Gene's passing this week. He was a regular in our foursome for a number of years at the Legends, Persimmons and Meadowbrook. We played several times a week, and I also looked forward to gaining some wisdom from Gene every week. He was a great friend. To Judy and all the Toombs family I want to express my sincere sympathy for your loss.
Rob and Barb Crossland
October 3, 2020
Good-bye, dear friend. Our hearts ache, missing you. But we smile when we think of our good times together...hours on the golf course, bridge games, football games, baseball games and many fun dinners and celebrations. We even solved some world problems (or at least tried) while sharing a fine bottle of wine. We feel honored and privileged to have enjoyed a friendship with you and Judy for so many years. Rest In Peace, Gene.
Carol Clooney
October 1, 2020
Dear Judy and Family: Within our hearts, And in your memories, Our loved ones remain with us always. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Bonnie Daniels
October 1, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
James Bahlinger
October 1, 2020
My sincerest condolences to Judy and the entire family on the loss of one of Gods' finest. I, like so many, are so fortunate to have known Gene. He will be missed and I am most appreciative to have been considered a friend and someone I will always look up to, and will treasure our past times together.
God Bless
Jim Bahlinger and the Meadowbrook Staff.
2018 family at Ross Farina's wedding.
Randy Farina
October 1, 2020
John Brunner
October 1, 2020
There never was a more gracious individual in all of our business meetings and social settings. He always made you feel like you were the most important person in his circle of friends...and he was like this with everyone. "A kind person"--is such an understatement. Always outgoing, willing to help. ready with advise and support...and especially, encouragement. "Civility" is a term so rare in our country today...and Gene set the standard with all he met...respectful of all.
He will be missed by all. I am most fortunate to have been a "friend of Gene"...and he was a friend of all who had the utmost privilege to know him.
John and Jan Brunner
Randy Farina
September 30, 2020
My favorite cousin. We grew up together 1 town apart, I in Union he in Irvington and spent countless time together, much of it at the Jersey Shore. He was truly my brother from another mother. We were best man at each others weddings. I will miss him! See you later cuz.
Cindy Garrison
September 30, 2020
Loyd and I will always remember how much fun we all had in Florida with the Reilly’s! The light in this world seems a bit dimmer without the vibrance of Gene. Judy, I often think fondly of our fun times with the RKR art club!
God bless you Judy, Loyd and Cindy Garrison
Suzanne and Mike Pratl
September 30, 2020
Gene was a great friend and one of the kindest men we've ever had the good fortune to know. He and Judy are a huge part of our lives. We cherish Gene and Judy and all the wonderful memories the four of us have shared together. God bless Gene, always...Suzanne & Mike
Ray Yu
September 30, 2020
Gene,
In my heart, you will always be remembered as a great leader. You had deeply touched and changed my life and for that I will be always grateful. May the maker of you place you in a joyful and peaceful land where you can rest well.
Respectfully,
Ray and Shirley Yu
William Young
September 30, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home - Creve Coeur12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141
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Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home - Creve Coeur12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141
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