Eugene F. "Gene" Cave

Eugene F. Cave (Gene)

August 23, 1934 ~ May 4, 2015

Eugene F. Cave (Gene) was called into eternal life on Monday, May 4.  He had been suffering from the effects of cerebrovascular disease for two years.  Family and friends were amazed as he navigated the losses of bodily function with a positive attitude and a profound faith.

Gene was born to Cecil and Helen (Friend) Cave in Satanta, Kansas on August 23, 1934.  He grew up in Johnson City, Kansas, with the help of his Aunt Grace and Uncle Bill who were a major influence on his life and he  spent many happy summers with his beloved Grandpa Cave in Dodge City, Kansas.  His stories of his childhood and youth convinced people he was quite the rascal. He was also a very hard worker and put himself through college completing his undergraduate degree at Wichita State University. Later he completed his Master’s Degree at Denver University. He was married to Betty Jane Limbright. That marriage ended in divorce but gave Gene two sons, Vance (Haidee Meng) and Brett. In 1971 he married Sandra Worrell in Englewood, CO. From that union came a daughter, Jennifer.  He loved his children dearly.

Gene was proud of his 33 years in education and found his greatest joy in teaching 6th grade.  He worked for Englewood (CO) public schools for 19 years. As much as he loved teaching, he did leave the classroom to go on to several administrative positions retiring from Montrose County Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent. At that point he went into semi-retirement by opening Cave Tax Service and becoming a tax preparer. He enjoyed his clients and remained in that business until 2012.

In addition to his wife and children he is survived by brothers, Myron (Kay) of Denver; Craig (Susie) of Longview, Texas and Scott (Lisa) of Denver; son-in-law, Greg Figenser (Jen); brothers-in-law Larry (Lynn) Worrell of Steamboat Springs, CO and Steve (Bette) Worrell of Simpsonville, SC.  Surviving nieces and nephews include Cassie Kelsay, Chad Cave, Ashley Cave, Ryan Cave, Tim Cave, Heather Worrell and Rob Worrell. His grand and great- grandchildren were the joy of his life and include Becky Riven and her children Erin and Andrea; and Jerry (Alisse) Bath and their son, Sawyer, of Folsom CA; Teagan, Sandra and Beth Figenser of Green River, WY.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister, Elaine Cave, and nephew, Colin Worrell.

The following organizations are accepting donations in Gene’s name:  Compassion International, a worldwide child advocacy ministry (800-336-7676); Northside Elementary School Activity Fund, to support the purchase of math resources  (PO Box 10,000 Montrose 81402); HopeWest Kids, a Hospice program for grieving children, PO Box 1804 Montrose, 81401.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 3:30 and will be officiated by Pastor Alan Gibson at the First Presbyterian Church, 1840 East Niagara Rd.  The service will be followed by a light meal at the church.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado is assisting the family.