Gene Edward Humphrey

Gene "Geno" Humphrey passed peacefully on October 4th, 2022 at Troy Beaumont Hospital. Gene was born on October 25th, 1943 at Ardmore Hospital in Ferndale, Michigan to Marshall and Virginia Humphrey. He was preceded in death by his brothers Chuck, Richard, and Joe Neal. Geno attended Hazel Park High School, following his graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. Gene served in the Vietnam War as an 84th Combat Army Engineer. Where he showed off his talents in building hospitals, bridges along with blowing up mountains to clear the way for roads. When returning home from Vietnam, he became a laborer in construction. He then trained in the trade and became a commercial Mason/Bricklayer. Gene was a proud Union Bricklayer BAC local 2 for 48 years. A creator of many wonderful buildings throughout the metro area. From the VA John Dingell Center, MIllender Center, Wm. Beaumont Hospitals, to the African Museum in Detroit. Gene was beyond creative. He SAW with his HANDS. He loved to express himself with his wonderful creation. An imagination beyond belief. His backyard is proof! There is so much that can be said about Gene. One of his favorites was walking his dogs in the Nature Center and Belle Isle. This was where he felt at peace! he just appreciated the wonder of the outdoors. A man of may virtues. Gene truly loved his children Nichole and Gene Jr. He loved to sit down with Nichole and draw for hours sharing silly stories and just enjoying their artistic talent together. He expanded her imagination making her the artist she is today. One of the early favorites of theirs was "Tea Time" with the teeny tiny cups and saucers. The cups filled with coffee and the cream making magical clouds. The man had such a great outlook on life. He was so proud of Gene Jr. the man/father/husband he turned out to be. A caring family man. Like his dad, they both shared the hands-on creativeness, from building bike ramps to leap in the air or putting up a zip line for Qwynn & Calder to fly! Gene always enjoyed watching Gene Jr. play rugby. He loved to visit Lil Gene in Vermont. He enjoyed the grandkids and the beauty of the mountains. He enjoyed sightseeing: the "Hildene" covered bridges, eating delicious ice cream at the Dairy Farms. Gene Jr. could always put a smile on his pops face by calling him "Pelon." Such great memories!!! Gene loved to exchange stories with Randy, a good friend of 45 years. Randy was always there for him. Their signature good-bye was "quack quack quack." He loved to tell corny jokes. He really enjoyed art, music, but especially loved to read non-fiction. Unfortunately, he never finished his last book "Life on the Mississippi" by Rinker Buck. His wife will finish it for him. He would hide little trinkets in the weirdest spots at everyone's house just for a little surprise and smile!! He always helped family, especially his sister-in-law Sharon. He loved helping her improve things around her house. HE put his signature "happy face" on her chimney. It's still there! He loved to interact with children. Always wanting to find ways to bring out their creativity and imagination. Gene would sit down with the little ones drawing and coloring for hours. He would show them how to make a pot of coffee in the percolator. Having them be hands on always. He took the time to make everyone smile.. he would say "a smile increases your face value." Gene was never in a rush. Slow was good for Geno!!! He enjoyed passing the salt SLOW at the dinner table. He loved being with his grandkids Qwynn and Calder. Carving pumpkins, going to Vermont Country Store and eating samples of chocolate, fudge and cheeses all the way through. He just enjoyed and loved being around them. ...Gene was a Very Kind Soul, a ONE of a Kind! He was a wonderful partner, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Gene is survived by his wife Denise of 42 years; daughter Nichole; son Gene Jr. (Whitney); and two beautiful grandchildren Qwynn and Calder (grandpa loved to call Calder "Clarence") He will be deeply missed. You will always be in our hearts. Gene is walking his dogs in heaven now.. No Leashes Required! Gene will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Please join the family and share your memories. Other tributes can be made at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Gene Edward Humphrey

October 25, 1943 - October 4, 2022