Katherine Gean

Katherine Elizabeth Roberts Gean

Kathy peacefully joined her heavenly family on February 8, 2026, peacefully in her sleep at her home, surrounded by the love of her beloved husband.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Gean; her sons, Richard (Gail) Gean and Bobby (Tanya) Gean; her grandson, Dylan Gean; her granddaughter, Hannah McJenkin; and her great-granddaughter, Paisley.

Katherine Elizabeth Roberts Gean was born on December 27, 1937, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, to John Truby Roberts and Linnie Lee Hudson Roberts. As the daughter of a Navy serviceman, she spent her childhood moving between Pensacola; San Francisco, California; Jacksonville, Florida, and Biloxi, Mississippi, where she graduated from Biloxi High School.

Shortly after graduation, Katherine began her career in civil service at Naval Air Station Pensacola, working in the secretary pool. On August 16, 1959, she married the love of her life, Robert Glen Gean, and together they began a life of travel and adventure. Their journey first took them to Istanbul, Turkey, where Robert was stationed with the United States Air Force. While overseas, Katherine continued her civil service career, working in the motor pool.

Her dedication to federal service spanned decades. She remained a committed public servant until her retirement in 1997 as a GS-13 Employee Career Development Specialist. In that role, she oversaw civilian and military training and worked closely with the Admiral's staff at NAS Pensacola – returning, in a meaningful way, to where her career had first begun.

During their years of travel, Katherine and Robert welcomed two sons, Richard Lloyd Gean and Robert John Gean. She was a devoted mother and a loyal and loving wife for more than 66 years.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kathy was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and was honored with the Torchbearer Degree in recognition of her service and dedication. In 1995, she joined the Daughters of the Nile and later served as Queen from 2010 to 2011, with Robert proudly serving alongside her as Prince.

Kathy was a four-time cancer survivor and a courageous fighter until the very end. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

The service for Kathy will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Trahan Family Funeral Home, 60 Industrial Blvd., Pensacola FL 32503. Public visitation begins at 11:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 12 noon. She will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery. Procession will start at 1:00 p.m. for committal at 2:00 p.m.