Eugene Garove

August 21, 2022

Eugene Garove, Colonel USAF (Ret)  was born in 1929 in Washington, PA, to Francis P. and Mary (Marenchin) Garove and passed away from this earthly life into our heavenly Father’s arms on August 18, 2022.

He served two years in the Navy beginning in 1947 attaining the rank of Petty Officer First Class followed by two years in the Naval Academy as a Cadet ending in 1951. After leaving the Navy in 1951, he attended Ohio University for 2 years. Gene started flight training with the US Air Force in 1953. He finished his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering at Oklahoma State University in 1961. His academic work concluded with a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma University in 1968.

He served in the US Air Force as a pilot from 1954 through 1980 where he flew F-89D andC-130A and E aircraft, as well as serving as a Base Civil Engineer at three different Air Force bases. He also completed two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded many medals, commendations, and awards during his career.

After retirement he worked in the Geology Department at the University of Oklahoma for several years, as well as teaching private flying lessons and aviation basics both in Oklahoma and Florida. For over 20 years, he was usher at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Pensacola, FL.

His love of flying was second only to his love for his wife to whom he was married for 62 years. Together they traveled the world, and even in retirement they spent many days driving across the country enjoying the journey.
Gene is survived by his wife, Nadine (DeRousse); two daughters, Deborah Nolan and husband Marshall of Clifton, VA and Janin Kroenung and husband Dennis of St. Louis, MO; four grandchildren, Allison Craiger and husband Jacob, Christopher and Victoria Nolan, and Lauren Kroenung; and one great-granddaughter, Olivia Craiger.

Preceded in death by his parents and many brothers and sisters.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 22, 2022 from 12:30-1:30pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The service will follow at 1:30pm. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries