Obituary of Gene Lee Thorson

Gene Lee Thorson was born on July 27, 1923 to Simon Peter Thorson and Jesse Florence Seaman Thorson. Gene was the second of 5 children. He departed this life for his heavenly home on September 11, 2020. Gene was drafted into the Army Air Corp in May of 1943, which he spent a total of 3 years, 5 months and 27 days. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, was a flight engineer, top turret gunner and Gene flew on a B26 Mahis first mission on December 28, 1943 then another twelve successful missions followed.

Flew on a B26 Marauder, his first bombing mission was on December 28, 1943 then another twelve successful missions followed. Gene was discharged November 30, 1946. Gene married his forever girlfriend, Opal Lee Misner on September 26, 1948. To this union were born four children, Ardith, Beverly, Clifton and Debra. The alphabet kids, A,B,C, and D! Gene followed in his father’s footstep which was farming for several years then made the move to Burlington where he was a successful business owner of Gene’s Texaco until he retired.

Gene was willing to serve the church in whatever capacity was needed.

He was preceeded in death by his father, Simon, mother Jesse, brothers Leon, Leslie and Orin and daughter Ardi. He is survived his wife Opal, daughters Beverly and Debra and son Clifton (Shirley), 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren and his sister Norma (Bob).

Gene was a proud veteran of WWII, an adoring husband to his wife, Opal, the best dad in the world, a fun and loving grandpa to his grandchildren but most of all a faithful servant to his Lord and Savior.