Obituary
In Loving Memory of Eugene “Gene” Brixey
Gene Brixey was many things in life. Husband, father, grandpa, mentor, and friend – but above all, he was the heart of his family. He passed away peacefully on August 26th, surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Gene met the love of his life, Renee, while they were in high school. A talented athlete, he participated in Track and Field, and played basketball throughout those years, but his greatest victory was winning Renee’s heart. Their love story began in the hallways of their school, blossomed on the basketball court sidelines, and grew into a marriage filled with, faith, laughter, and partnership.
After graduation, Gene pursued his degree in Accounting at Southern Missouri State University. Though he built a successful career, what truly defined him was his unwavering commitment to family and community. He gave freely of his time and talents, serving as President of the school board, working with the Chamber of Commerce, and mentoring young people through scouting. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and becoming a Fire builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say were not just accomplishments for Gene, they were lifelong reminders of the values he carried: service, leadership, and integrity.
Gene had a gift for making life joyful. He loved a good round of golf, a camping trip under the stars, and, of course, cheering on his beloved Kansas City teams. He was the guy you wanted around when something needed fixing – whether it was a broken gadget, a tricky problem, or a discouraged spirit. His positivity was contagious, his laugh unforgettable, and his outlook always hopeful.
But Gene’s proudest role was being a husband and father. He and Renee raised two children, Chris and Ashley, and Gene never missed a chance to show up for them. Whether it was a sporting event, a concert, or any school activity, Gene was always in the stands or the audience, beaming with pride. He believed that being present was the greatest gift a parent could give, and his kids knew without a doubt that they were his top priority.
That love only deepened with his grandchildren. To Austin, Bradley, Shelby, and Jackson, he was simply “Grandpa”—their biggest fan, their storyteller, their encourager. He was delighted in every moment with them, from ball games to bedtime stories, and filled their lives with the same steady love and laughter that had defined his own.
Gene’s life was not measured by titles or trophies, but by the lives he touched and the love he shared. His legacy is one of kindness, service, optimism, and unwavering devotion to his family. Those who knew him will carry his wisdom, humor, and heart forward, keeping alive the light he so effortlessly shared. His memory will live on in the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.
Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Renee Brixey; his children, Chris Brixey (Megan), and Ashley Dowd (Nathan) and his four grandchildren. He is also remembered with love by mother-in-law Eleanor Reed, and sister-in-law Denise Fialka (Bill).
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
So sorry to hear that Brother Brixey has passed. I knew him in college as a Lambda Chi’s. He was a star for our legendary basketball team and a brother, fun, laughing and serving our chapter and others. Actually, he coached me through the PED 8 minute mile. My only A in college. Thanks Gene for being an incredible brother, a mentor and positive influence on everyone you encountered. ZAX.
Gene felt like a dad to me as well! He raised a hell of a good son and fought hard! Your family is very loved and Gene will be missed but never forgotten. Trent and I promise to hold Chris up in these coming days. Losing a father but remembering the impact he had everyone around him, especially Chris, will be forever valued!
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Renee’ and his family. There are no words that can fill the hole in your hearts. Gene was an incredible man. He loved his family fiercely and it showed. He will be missed by many. They just don’t make them as good as Gene anymore. Hugs to you Renee’, Chris and Ashley.
I also remember him from our time spent as fraternity brothers. Always pleasant, and good natured, generous and genuine. Somehow his presence always seemed to bring out the best side of everyone he touched. No surprise reading that he was a great family man.
My most sincere condolences to the family. A huge loss and he will be greatly missed.
ZAX
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Gene. We are fraternity brothers from Lamda Chai Alpha at SMS University. I remember him as a vibrant athlete, a strong leader, as our fraternity President, and above all, a good friend, though, I hadn’t seen gene since college. I always thought highly of him and i’m grateful for our memories, we shared
Hello,
Gene was my boss. He was the best boss I ever had, in my life (I am 40). He was the kindest and most caring leader I had the opportunity to report to. We left all conversations with a smile on our faces, even if the conversations were hard. He was a blessing for every life he touched. He will be missed dearly.
With deepest condolences,
Sammy Shand
To Gene’s Family,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Despite having the honor of knowing Gene for only a short time, it was clear within minutes of meeting him that he was a man who would leave a positive impact on your life. He came into every conversation with an infectious smile and a sense of humor that would leave you in stitches. He was my team lead, but he went out of his way to make sure I knew that he would always be in my corner, no matter what. Gene made me feel welcomed, valued, and seen. My heart is with you as you grieve his loss and I hope that the recollections from those whose lives he touched shows you just how loved and appreciated he was. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to know him.
I graduated a year after Gene and played basketball with him. He was a great guy. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
I was shocked by a fellow Lambda Chi’s e-mail today to inform me of Gene’s unfortunate early passing. He was a great brother at SMS and served us as Hi Alpha when I lived in the House. He also somehow talked me into taking a role in our track-team’s relay team during the Greek Games. I had not seen him for a few years but we had stayed in touch occasionally. Keeping Renee and his family in my thoughts. ZAX
Gene was like a father to me, when I moved here in 2017 I was lucky enough to be picked for a job at HSMC Orizen and had the privilege of working with him for around 8 years during that time he mentored and showed me the ropes that has led me to be successful in my career. Words cannot accurately describe the feelings of loss, sadness, everything. I’m gutted. I miss you Gene.
Let’s vote Gene, “Most Likely to Succeed at St. Peter’s Gates of Heaven.” 😉
Renee, Chris , Ashley, & the rest of the family May the happy memories you have of Gene comfort you and warm your heart with a big hug . The time spent with him was filled with love , laughter. & lessons. How to live a life well lived . You will always have him with you as you carry him in your heart . Hugs , love and prayers going out to you all .
Renee, Chris, Ashley, and families,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our family is deeply grateful for the time we shared with Gene and with all of you. We feel fortunate to have lived in the same neighborhood and will always remember his kind leadership and the way he looked out for the kids as they grew up. Gene was a true community servant who lived with such kindness and steady values. May you find comfort and peace in the many loving memories you hold close
The Manley’s
So sorry for your loss. We remember him from nine years ago when Ashley and Nate got married. Such a gentleman and wonderful host. Condolences to all.
Many wonderful memories of Gene as he was a President of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at Southwest Missouri State University during our college days. He was a passionate leader and talented athlete for our intramural teams. Gene was an inspiration to all who knew him and will be remembered for his genuine love for family, friends and community. My condolences to Renee and his family. ZAX
Deeply moved by Gene’s passing. Great memory’s of Gene life while we were at Grace UMC. Praying for all the family. Bob & Susan Farr
There aren’t enough words to quantify the massive character Gene had. I’ve worked with him now for the last several years and he was my Chiefs buddy. We didn’t work together on the daily but it wasn’t long after meeting him that I knew, this was a man of great character. He was always laughing and bringing positivity to the situation no matter how tough or challenging. He was always so willing to help out anyone with any problem. He was so charming and caring and you knew within minutes that this was a great man and someone you wanted to be around. I don’t know any of the family but my heart goes out to you all, very sad and gut wrenching to have lost such a great man so soon.. RIP Gene.
I was also a fraternity brother with Gene in Lambda Chi Alpha. I remember the championship intramural basketball game Lambda Chi’s won with Gene’s talent and leadership. I haven’t seen Gene in many years, although when reflecting on those memories from college, it seems like only yesterday.
I offer my most sincere condolences. ZAX.
So very sorry to hear about Gene. I last saw him at a fraternity gathering several years ago at Springfield Lake. It was really great to see him. Gene was a great leader of Lambda Chi Alpha and I certainly appreciated knowing and learning from him. He was a great basketball player, great fraternity brother, and very smart man. I know he will be deeply missed. My sincerest condolences to Renee and all of his family and friends.
In ZAX
John E. Millsap
My deepest condolences to Gene’s family and friends. Working with Gene was a true privilege—he brightened every day and left a lasting mark on my heart. His sense of humor and kindness were gifts to us all. I hope it brings you some comfort to know how many lives Gene touched. We love and miss you Gene!
I had the privilege of working with Gene since 2017. His face was often the first I would see as I walked in the doors in our Lee’s Summit office – he greeted us and welcomed us to work with a smile and wave even when he was super busy. I could just come knock on his door and he somehow found time to help. And in the process he became a friend. He helped make work feel like family. We will miss you Gene. May God comfort your family in this time.
Dearr family of Eugene, Brixey,
I’m just seeing this obituary for Eugene Brixey and wonder if anyone knows whether he grew up on 91st Terrace in Western Hiils in the KCMO Center High School District, the son of Eugene and Doris Brixey. My bothers, Garrett and Steve, and I were nextdoor neighbors. We were several years older than Gene, but I sense this is the Eugene I remember as a little guy. Our parents, Jerry and Shirley Summers, played cards with his parents, who were the sweetest neighbors you could ask for. I’m not surprised to learn “Eugene the Jeep,” as we nicknamed him, grew to be an Eagle Scout, athlete and laudable Lambda Chi at Missouri Southern. Can anyone confirm this is him?
My regards to his family,
Stephanie Summers
formerly of 606 W. 91st Terr., KCMO,
now of Willington CT