Francis Gene Rhome

Francis Gene Rhome, 80, of Kent Washington died suddenly on January 20, 2023 after a short stay at Valley Medical Center.

Gene was born on May 22, 1942 to Mary Violet (Bunny) and Earl Eugene Rhome in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania and he grew up in Wyano, PA.

After graduating from high school Gene joined the army and was stationed at Fort Lewis Army Base in Tacoma Washington.  While in the military Gene met his first wife Decelia Ann Warner and they were married in 1962.  They had two children, Richard Eric and Kimmy Jo Rhome. 

After completing his service he started school and worked several jobs providing for his family.  They bought a home in Kent and Gene became an active member of the community.  He was President of the Kent JC’s and a leader in the Junior Chamber of Commerce where he taught business skills to high school students.

He worked at Boeing as a tool maker and joined the team at Van Waters and Rogers in 1972.  He started in the warehouse and transitioned to sales in the fall of that year.  Gene loved his career and he was later promoted to Sales Manager of the Department.  In 1994 Gene accepted a position as General Manager of a new startup company, Westport Supply. He worked long hours and was pleased at the success of Westport.  Gene retired from Westport 15 plus years later.

Gene and Wanda met in 1972 and they were married on July 30, 1983.  Wanda had two children, Dennis Michael Davis and Denise Michelle Davis.  Gene made the family complete when he adopted both Dennis and Denise.

Gene and Wanda purchased their first home in 1980 and their second in 2001 where he lived until his death. 

Gene was the kindest man, loving husband, supportive father and a dedicated grandfather.  He was a great role model for everyone he came in contact with and always wanted to help anyone in need.  Gene and Wanda’s home has always had an open door for friends, family and couch surfers. He loved camping, fishing, travel and cruising. Camping trips always included multiple family members and friends.  And there are a million stories involving Gene on these trips.  Even though Gene quit smoking prior to meeting Wanda, anytime he wanted to spend money on his grandchildren he would vow to quit smoking.  The money he would save by not smoking would more than cover the cost of whatever he wanted to buy. 

Gene and Wanda enjoyed traveling and cruising the world and the more people who joined them the better.  Barcelona was Gene’s favorite port of call.

Gene is survived by his wife, Wanda Kay Rhome, his son’s Richard Eric Rhome and Dennis Michael Rhome, daughters Kimmy Jo Rhome and Denise Marazetti.  He has five grandchildren Zachary John Crowell, Misty Summer Rhome, Alec Aaron Rhome, Kenny Cosmo Crowell, and Carly Ann Rhome.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Violet Rhome, Earl Eugene Rhome and his brother Joseph Rhome who died shortly after birth.

Funeral services will be January 31, 2023, 12:00 PM at Edline & Yahn in Covington Funeral Services, 27221 156th Ave SE Kent WA 98042.

Interment will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery, 2:00 PM

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