Gene Thomas Doe

Gene Thomas Doe, born on March 27, 1941 in Washington, D.C. passed peacefully into the hands of our Lord on June 26, 2016 in Scottsdale.

He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and best friend of his beloved wife, Paulette.

Gene served his country in the U.S Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He did two tours in the conflict and was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. He completed his 20 years of service in the Corps as an instructor at the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek. He attained the rank of Master Sargent and was affectionately addressed as, “Top,” by the men in his command.

He followed his wife into the retail automotive business and enjoyed much success by developing a new platform of off-site sales. He encouraged and worked tirelessly to help his wife save for an investment in a small Chrysler dealership in Casa Grande. They were a great team and were profitable at a difficult location. They sold the dealership and leveraged their reputation as turnaround artists to purchase a larger Dodge store in Memphis. They had great success and were able to sell the store and retire to Rio Verde.

They were embraced by the community and Gene found many kindred spirits in the tight knit group of retired Marines. He finally got to relax and play golf with his many friends. He loved living in Arizona and followed all the local sports teams but always considered Washington his home. Anyone meeting him would soon know that he was a huge Redskins fan. Hail to the Redskins.

Gene was pre-deceased by his parents, Jean I Doe and Walter J. Doe Sr., and his brother Walter J. Doe Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Paulette R Doe; his favorite sister, Karyle S. Doe; his children, Deborah Leccese, Terri Witts, Kelley J Henry, John Patrick Doe, Jeffrey S Giger, Stacy J Unger and John Vincent Giger; 12 grandkids and five great grandkids.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 2, at 2 p.m. at Messinger Mortuary, 12065 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills.