Eugene R. Temple Obituary
Eugene Richard "Gene" Temple joined our Father in Heaven on February 1, 2025, in Apache Junction, Arizona, at the age of 89. He was born on August 24, 1935.
Gene graduated from Washington High School, where he wrestled and learned to play the tuba. He was a veteran in the U.S. Army Infantry Band from 1955 to 1958, stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany and Georgia. Gene was hard-working and dedicated. His professional career spanned from Sperry Rand Flight System, to teaching electronics at Washington Institute of Technology, to Director of Computer Systems at The Meadows Racetrack. He was known for his innovation, work ethics and ability to solve problems. He also volunteered as a firefighter in Taylorstown. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions.
Gene enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a passion for harness horse racing. He was proud to own, train and drive his horses that he named all Mystic. He enjoyed hiking, dancing, woodworking, and gardening. He was a member of VFW Post #9399 in Apache Junction, Arizona; where he made lots of friends and loved socializing and dancing. He was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Gene is survived by his wife, Alma Faye McNash Temple; brother John Edward "Pete" Peacock (wife Ruth L. Farris); children Shirley Ann Righi and Michael Richard Temple (wife Veronica Claytemple); grandchildren Amy Booher Sylvestre (husband John), Benjamin Temple, Eloisa Claytemple, and Richard Claytemple; great-grandchildren Tyler and Isabella Sylvestre; and in-laws Lew McVicker and Daisy Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents Wilmont and Ann McIntosh Temple; first wife, Norma Jean McVicker; brothers Donald W. Temple and Robert Leland "Bobbie Lee" Peacock; Uncle Kenny McIntosh; Aunt Olive May Lashley; and son-in-law Bruce Righi.
A memorial service was held at Boulder Mountain Church in Mesa, Arizona on 2/11/2025.
Memorial donations may be made in Gene's name to CHHA (the Christian Harness Horsemen's Association) at The Meadows, 210 Racetrack Road, Washington, PA 15301.
We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
