Gene Raymond Imke

Gene Raymond Imke, a dedicated family man, accomplished insurance professional and Financial Advisor, a lifelong community servant, passed away peacefully March 7th. Born November 25, 1939, to Harvey & Bertha Imke in Oklahoma City. Gene spent his early years playing baseball and visiting the family farm in Shattuck, OK and Follett, TX. He lived a life marked by dedication to God, his family, and his community.

Gene graduated from Northwest Classen High School in May 1957, where he excelled as shortstop and captain of the baseball team. He also had the time of his life playing American Legion Baseball.

Enrolling at the University of Oklahoma (OU), Gene played on the OU baseball team and became a proud member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in June 1962.

Gene began his career in 1962 with Connecticut Mutual Life/MassMutual Insurance Company, as an agent specializing in life, disability, health insurance and investments.

In April 1964, he co-founded Business Boosters, a limited-membership tip club for Oklahoma City business owners and executives (capped at 30 members), which has met every Wednesday for over 62 years.

In January 1970, Gene established his own firm, Imke & Associates. He became a 35-year qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). He spent 55 years of service in the industry, serving on state and national boards.

Gene was always ready to serve. He was a Reservist, coached boys youth baseball and girls youth basketball, Crown Heights United Methodist Church Board Chairman, President of local 301 Toastmasters, OKC Kiwanis Club president, Epworth Villa Director, Alumna President of the OU Kappa Sigma Chapter, Junior Achievement Advisor, member of Church of the Servant, & member of Gaillardia Golf and Country Club. Wherever Gene went, he always knew a friend.

In 1985 He was appointed Chairman of the Ethical Guidance Committee, for the National Society of Financial Services Professionals, FSP.

In 1989 One of Gene's proudest accomplishments was to run and complete the Honolulu Marathon. He was also an avid skier and was invited to be a member of a GA's study group, OFOS (Old Farts on Skis). He loved skiing and they met annually to ski, golf, share ideas and of course study. The brotherhood of that group filled his life.

Gene's professional honors included the National Quality Award (1963–2017), National Achievement Award (1967–1997), Outstanding Young Men in America (1972), Liberty National Bank Distinguished Life Underwriter (1976, 1982, 1989), and Journal Record Public Service Award (1983).

In 2017 he was inducted into the Gamma Kappa chapter of Kappa Sigma Hall of Fame.

We remember Gene for his integrity, leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to family, faith, profession, fraternity brothers, and community.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Suzy Quinn Imke; Children, Troy Imke & wife Mary, Dawn Cline & husband Brad, Tiffany Imke & Richard Lennox; Grandchildren, Mike Imke, Jerre Imke & Rob Everette, J.B. Cline & Gillian Cline; Brothers-In-Law Greg Quinn, Rock Quinn & wife Monica; Sisters-in-Law, Marjorie Meisinger, Theresa Quinn, Gina Frazier, Barbie Davis & husband Gary.

He also leaves his beloved extended family, along with countless friends, clients, and fraternity brothers whose lives he touched profoundly. Gene's legacy lives on through those he loved.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dana Van Noy, who helped love and care for Gene in his last weeks. Also special thanks to Frontier Hospice, namely aide Crystalyn and RNs Emily and Sandy. Gene's prior stay at Iris was marked by wonderful and loving staff and caregivers, Kayla, Abena, Maria, Amy, Carla, Mina, Delisha, Briana, Tonja, Amal and others.

A funeral service will be held for Gene at The Crossings Community Church Chapel on Thursday, March 26th at 1 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life immediately following the service from 2:30 to 4:30 at Gaillardia Country Club. In lieu of flowers, Gene would ask that you donate to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.