Eugene Ray Monroe

1933 - 2024

Eugene Ray Monroe
02/15/1933 - 07/29/2024
Eugene Ray Monroe, 91, of Scottsdale, AZ and formerly of Midland, TX, passed away on July 29, 2024 at his Scottsdale home. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Kathleen (Kathy) Monroe, who died on June 19, 2023.
Gene, as he was known by all, was born on February 15, 1933, in Meade, Kansas, the youngest of 3 children of Robert (R.T.) and Lela Jones Monroe. His brother Donald and sister Gladys Monroe Moss also preceded him in death.
He has always loved and excelled in sports, playing basketball and football in high school, and even playing some football when he attended North Texas State College in Denton. As an avid football fan, he especially enjoyed following the Kansas City Chiefs, as a nod to the state where he was born.
He was an astute businessman and entrepreneur throughout his career. His many ventures and interests included areas in oil & gas, aviation, and ranching. He acquired - and worked on - several ranches in Texas, New Mexico, an Arizona. He especially loved his Arizona Ranch, The Apache Maid. Before he sold it, his annual Round Up was a popular event that his friends and business associates enjoyed.
Gene and Kathy both enjoyed outdoor activities whether it was golf, tennis, snow skiing, or other sporting adventures. Traveling together they made friends wherever they went. They were often accompanied by one of their beloved dogs; Dukester was as well-loved and known by friends as they were!
Gene and Kathy lived many years in Midland enjoying an active social and business life there. Among many interests, they owned an art gallery and were avid and eclectic collectors of several genres of art. They represented many outstanding artists, many of whom became valued friends.
They were also very generous with philanthropic contributions to several organizations. They were particularly proud of the work that The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research was doing. Among other charities, in Midland they supported the Salvation Army, Manor Park and Museum of the Southwest. At Kathy's Memorial at Hansen Mortuary in Scottsdale in June 2023, their life together was also celebrated. Therefore, Gene specifically requested that services not be held for him and in lieu of flowers, he would appreciate memorial donations for Kathy and him to the organizations listed above or a charity of your choice.
He is survived by his niece Ileta Rhodes of Bowie, Texas, along with several nieces and nephews. He wishes to thank his niece, good friends, and the caregivers of Cypress Homecare for their loving, patient care during this last year.