Gene Lelsle McOmber

Gene LeIsle McOmber passed away on February 11, 2023, in Sarasota, FL, where he has been living since 2011. Gene was Born on July 2, 1933, in Allegan, Michigan to parents, Fred Clair McOmber and Elizabeth Camilla McOmber. Gene graduated from Allegan High School in 1951. He later served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Gene graduated from Western Michigan University with a B.S. degree in 1960. He was employed by Modu-Wall, Inc. and North American Aluminum in Parchment, MI as a draftsman and manager of the Estimating Department until 1967. The rest of his working career was with Architectural Building Products in Kalamazoo, MI serving as VP and chief estimator, retiring in 1993. Gene was a lifetime auto enthusiast and motor sports was his passion. He attended his first race, The Indianapolis 500, in 1949 and thereafter attended that race for 45 years in a row. He purchased his first sports car, a MGTD, in 1954 and saw his first sports car race at the 12 Hours of Sebring in FL in 1955. His racing life began with the purchase of a new 1962 Morgan which he vintage raced for most of 47 years, retiring from this sport in 2009. While living in MI, he raced at many different tracks in the Midwest, his favorite being Road America at Elkhart Lake, WI. Upon retiring to SC in 1994, he enjoyed more tracks in the Southeast, his favoring being Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA. His final race was at Watkins Glen, NY where he received the Centenary Cup given by the Morgan Motor Company in honor of his 47 years racing that same car. Gene held membership in many Car Clubs and Morgan Owners Clubs over the years and enjoyed the quality of friends as much as the cars. He loved watching Western Michigan, Michigan, and Clemson football as well as Indy Car, Formula 1 and sports car races. Gene had insight and creativity. He designed two homes and remodeled two others. He loved projects that involved woodworking and artistic creations. He was an active volunteer in the communities where he lived and donated to various charities. Gene and his wife, Betsy, shared endless hours of enjoying plays and concerts together. Gene was predeceased by his parents, two cousins, and his wife of 55 years, Betsy. Gene leaves behind three sons; Thomas Clair (Melissa); Richard Morgan; and Robert Thomas (Francheska); and three grandchildren; Morgayn, Cole, and Camilla McOmber. Gene was a loving father and grandfather who lived the life he truly wanted. He had 30 years of retirement, kept close relationships with his family and friends. He will always be remembered in our hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 3rd at 7:45 AM at Bay Island Park, 946 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, 34242. Donations in Gene’s memory may be made to the Gator Wilderness Camp School, 44930 Farabee Rd, Punta Gorda, 33982 or gatorwildernesscamp.com . The family would like to send a special thank you to All Stat Staff, and the staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and PAM specialty Hospital.

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Gene Lelsle McOmber

July 2, 1933 - February 11, 2023