James Eugene (Gene) McGlasson

James Eugene (Gene) McGlasson, 91, was born Jan. 16, 1934, and was taken Home May 26, 2025.

Gene was born in the era when times were really tough! Economic Depression; dustbowl years; no government bailouts; country preparing for war; men were the providers; women cared for the home and family; abortion was never considered - regardless.

The Model T had a valve that stopped the gas from draining out, but Gene's dad forgot to close it. So, he told his Mom "how about we have this one at home."

Gene was the youngest of three boys, born on a hog farm, in a sod house, Kimball County, Southwest Nebraska. When a trucker took them to sell in Denver, the price for trucking was more than he got for the pigs, so the balance was paid with pigs.

Each of the boys (Jack, Frank and Gene) inherited technical and resourceful DNAs and put them to good use when they moved to Elkhart, Indiana.

Gene went on to graduate from Culver Military Academy while in high school; served in the U.S. Army three years; graduated with a degree in Physics; worked for General Electric on radar in Alabama, Europe and Minneapolis Honeywell on the Gemini Missile; and 27 years as a captain for American Airlines.

During retirement, Gene created church management software for his own church, then spent 15 years offering it to other churches around the country, retiring to Libby, Montana in 2004.

Gene is survived by his two sons Scott, 56, and John 54; grandsons Morgan, 27, and Alex, 26; brother Frank, 92; and wife of 64 years, Laura.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.