Eugene Slagowski

Eugene Leonard Slagowski, 91, passed away on June 25, 2011 in the Evanston Regional Hospital.

He was born on September 11, 1919 in McKinnon, Wyoming to Eli Ephriam and Susan (Merchant) Slagowski.

Gene grew up on the Henry's Fork where he learned to be a skilled cowboy, hunter, trapper, and fisherman. In 1942, he joined the Army Air Corp and served WWII. He was a decorated pilot, flying in the African and European Theaters. After the war he returned to the area where he started a 25 year career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a government trapper. He later he worked for the City of Evanston.

On January 14, 1954, he and Edna Coleman eloped to Rock Springs, Wyoming. They were blessed with two daughters, Betty and Linda. Even though they were girls, Gene made sure they knew how to ride and shoot. With three strong women in his life, he learned how to smile and shake his head, but he was always a constant presence of support and love. He was a quiet gentle man. Besides being a loving husband, father, and grandfather, Gene will be best be remembered as one of the last great old-time cowboys, a knowledgeable hunting partner and friend. He will be dearly missed by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Edna of Evanston; Daughters: Betty Jean (Danny) Mathson and Linda (Tim) Purcell, all of Evanston.

Grandchildren, Brittany Mathson, (Joey) & Nicole Budge, and Brad & (Jen) Purcell.

Great grandchildren: Casey & Kate Budge, McKinnon & expectant baby Purcell

Brothers Floyd Slagowski of Carlin, NV; Leo Slagowski, of Vernal, Utah; and a sister, Christena Behunin of Burnt Fork, Wy

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Jim, Viven, and Doyle, and two sisters, Lela Slagowski and Della Harris and a grandson, Ryan Mathson.

Funeral service will be on Thursday at 1:00 p.m in the Evanston Second Ward Chapel, corner of Oak and Elm Streets. Friends may call at the Crandall Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 pm and on Thursday at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment with military honors will follow in the Evanston Cemetery.