Eugene L. Stup

1928 - 2023

Eugene L. Stup, best known as Gene, died July 29, 2023, at his home on Shookstown Road, Frederick, next door to the house where he spent many of his growing-up years. He was 95.

He leaves behind his loving wife Patricia. They were together for eight years before marrying in 1987.

Born March 2, 1928, to Harry E. and Pearl Masser Stup, Gene graduated from Frederick High School in 1945, where he was a class leader and voted the best-looking boy-an award that forever embarrassed him. Upon graduation at age 17, he enlisted in the Marine Corps to pursue his interest in aeronautics.

After honorable discharge, Gene and a fellow car enthusiast opened S&S Auto Repairs on Rocky Springs Road. In the mid-50s, he became a technician at Fort Detrick during the biological warfare era, where he handled anthrax and contracted tularemia. When the U.S. offensive biological weapons program was discontinued, he transferred to the Atomic Energy Commission in Germantown, later returning to Detrick until he retired in 1993 as supervisor of roads and grounds. He was a member of the Frederick Elks Lodge 684, American Legion Post 11, Amvets Post 9, and Columbia Masonic Lodge 58.

Gene was an engineer at heart, fascinated by the design, development, and fabrication of engines, motors, machines, tools, and mechanisms of just about any kind - from how they worked to how they could work better and faster. He applied that knowledge and skill to an increasingly responsible range of roles at Fort Detrick and to hobbies that brought him great satisfaction and broadened his friendships and influence. His garage was his favorite place to be.

Gene became heavily involved in the growing karting movement in the 1960s, which under his leadership resulted in the establishment of a popular Sunday afternoon track in the Frederick Shopping Center parking lot, back when stores were closed for the day. As karting interest spread, he spearheaded the kart club's move to a site adjacent to Monrovia's 75-80 Dragway. He directed the design and construction of the track alongside other club members, and 75-80 Kartway became a highly popular racing venue for years.

Gene designed and built countless custom karts in his home garage on Shookstown Road, attracting karting aficionados in search of something special. Later he pursued an interest in guns, with an emphasis on repairs and custom work. He taught safe gun handling to everyone who visited his private shooting range.

His favorite food in the world was steamed crabs. Anyone who sat near him behind a mound of crabs benefited from his "crab picking" expertise. He knew a good crab (and a bad one) on sight. He used the mallet judiciously and the paring knife precisely; rarely did he miss a morsel worth eating. Gene passed on to this family his love of crabs and the ritual of eating them around a paper-covered table.

Together, Gene and Pat enjoyed going to the beach, traveling, socializing with friends, being with family, and relaxing by their pool.

In addition to his wife Pat, Gene is survived by his three children, who were a great source of pride: Marita Loose (Rick); Cristy Stup (Erin Jenkins); and Barry Stup (Moira Weldon). His grandchildren are Cara Loose Schroll (Ben); Annie Stup (Simon Moore), Taylor Jenkins Grewe (Phillip), Quinn Jenkins, and Leah Stup. His great-grandchildren are Ella and Lucy Schroll, Lorna and Eamon Moore, and Tate Grewe.

Also surviving are stepdaughter Tammie Jones (Jim), their sons Brandon Jones (Alex) and J.D. Jones (Joo), and their respective children Isabelle Jones and Cole Jones-Park.

His older sister Evelyn Sullivan Orndorff along with his niece and nephews and their families survive as well.

Gene donated his body to the Maryland State Anatomy Board. At his request, there will be no funeral. A celebration of life is tentatively planned for September.

Eugene L. Stup