Obituary of Gene Robert Coomer

Eugene R. ‘Gene’ Coomer, Age 92

Gene R. Coomer, 92, of Clarksville, IN, passed away on July 4, 2019.  Gene was born on October 8, 1926 in Clarksville, IN. 

Mr. Coomer, Dad, Grandpa is preceded in death by his wife, Joan (1930-2018); parents, Charles L. Coomer and Agnes Caroline Ehringer Coomer; and siblings, Charles F  ‘Chick’ Coomer (Jane), and Kathleen Coomer Gohmann (David).

He is survived by sons, Max (Catherine) and Tim (Cheri) Coomer; sister-in-law, Marie Crum Long (Chuck); ten grandchildren, Jason, Julie Sanderson, Daniel, Dianna Leon, Derek, Aaron, Olivia, Benjamin, Joel, & Emma; grandchildren by marriage, Derek Sanderson, Carrie Coomer; seven great-grandchildren, Courtney, Jaden, Ava, Blaise, Violet, Gabe and Lily; multiple nieces/nephews, Coomer, Gohmann, Long & Crum; beloved pets, Hanna, Toby & Kelly the Cat; and Granddog – Coco.

Gene had a full life of family, a wonderful calling, sports and a business owner.  Gene was well known in local sports, particularly with Jeffersonville High School basketball as a fan, supporter, mentor and broadcaster.  He attended games from the 1930’s until 2019 missing only a handful of home games.   He has amazing stories of the good, bad and ugly of Jeffersonville basketball. 

Gene lived through the Great Depression and the famous 1937 flood.  He was respected as a local historian for the 37 Flood and its impacts upon downtown Jeffersonville.  He spent countless hours being a kid growing up poor in the Great Depression.  He started part-time work at age 12 at Colgate and by the time he graduated high, was a head carrier for the Courier-Journal.   He grew up in the Big Band Music era and maintained a love for this music his whole life, as your best music memories are always in high school.

He attended St. Anthony and St. Augustine schools and churches.  Gene was a 1944 graduate of Jeffersonville High School.  Gene entered the US Army in Feb 1945 and served until August 1946.  He honorably discharged as a Sergeant after serving predominantly in Guam and the Philippines.  Gene attended Hanover, University of Louisville and IU.  He received a BA in English and Masters in Education.  Following his graduation from University of Louisville, he married Evelyn Joan Crum on June 11, 1949.   They were married until her death in August 2018.

Gene and his wife Joan, along with his in-laws, bought and owned Cannon’s Florist in Clarksville for over 50 years.  They entered the business world with absolutely no business experience but built a reputation for high quality and service for years and years.   The Florist included a greenhouse for the first 25 years of business and 50 years of floral services. 

Gene was best known for 40 years of service in Greater Clark Schools as a teacher, coach and principal.  He taught at Jonathon Jennings, Rose Hill, Maple and Eastlawn for a total of 19 years, as well as an Assistant Principal at Spring Hill and Administrator for 3 years.  He was the Principal of McCullough Elementary for 18 years (1971 to 1989).  After retiring, he continued to serve as a substitute principal, teacher and mentor for 20+ years.  He had the honor of teaching children & grandchildren of his own first students as well as two of his great-grandchildren.  Gene was very well respected and loved as an Educator. 

Gene was an avid golfer sporting a 6 handicap back in the day.  He played golf for over 50 years.  He had several holes in one, shot his age several times, broke par several times, played golf on dozens of course, chipped in a lot, won the Jeff Elks Classic with his best friend Ted Throckmorton and twice won the Jeff Elks Father-Son tournament in 1971 & 1973.   He had many adventures on the golf course.

Gene cared about many people and was proud of being blessed with children and grandchildren.  He loved to say ‘you’ll appreciate this when you get older’ and he was right.  He knew he was blessed and thankful to his Lord Jesus.  He cherished his time with family, friends and was an excellent story teller, historian and writer.  Many have said they don’t make them like him anymore.  Thanks to the Lord for bringing him home to eternal celebration and rest.

Visitation will be Monday, July 8th from Noon until 8 pm.  Visitation and Funeral will be Tuesday, July 9th from 9 to 11 am with the Celebration of Life Service at 11 am.  Entombment will follow at the Walnut Ridge Cemetery Mausoleum.  Scott’s Funeral Home of Jeffersonville is hosting and handling arrangement.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s name to the JB Ogle Animal Shelter in Jeffersonville or Jeffersonville High School Throckmorton-Coomer Scholarship Fund are requested.