(From Parker Mortuary)Eugene Asher “Gino” Lesh, age 84, Webb City, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.
Gino was born February 3, 1939 in Jersey City, New Jersey, son of the late Alonzo Lesh and Ellen (Smith) Lesh. He grew up in New York, and went to Massapequa, New York High School. He worked as a bartender for Caruso’s in New York before working in the construction industry for many years.
He moved to the Joplin area in 1977, and was an entrepreneur for years, most recently he was owner and operator of several Sonic locations in S.W. Missouri. Gino lived for yard work, and his house and yard were examples of this passion. He was always the life of the party, and enjoyed watching old movies and baseball games, and would enjoy his time spent with his friends playing cards. He also had a passion for doing crossword puzzles which he enjoyed up to the end. Gino was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Webb City.
In addition to his parents, Gino was preceded in death by two sisters, Joy Speziale and Carol Lesh.
Survivors include his wife, Catherine Lesh; daughter, Kimmy Fredrickson and Rick of Joplin; sons, Gene P. Lesh and Danny Lesh and wife Amanda all of Joplin; grandchildren, Samantha Reeves of Webb City, and Logan Allgood of St. Louis, Missouri; great-granddaughter, Domenica “Baby Pork Chop” Reeves of Webb City; step-children, Debbie Fitzsimmons of Auburn, CA, and Michael Connolly of Floral Park, New York; his good friend and mother of his children, Irene Marshall and husband Doyle of Joplin; sister, Charlotte Godwin of Columbus, OH, and brother, Tommy Lesh and wife Carol of North Carolina; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his faithful companion, Domino.
In addition to his parents, Gino was preceded in death by two sisters, Joy Speziale and Carol Lesh.
Survivors include his wife, Catherine Lesh; daughter, Kimmy Fredrickson and Rick of Joplin; sons, Gene P. Lesh and Danny Lesh and wife Amanda all of Joplin; grandchildren, Samantha Reeves of Webb City, and Logan Allgood of St. Louis, Missouri; great-granddaughter, Domenica “Baby Pork Chop” Reeves of Webb City; step-children, Debbie Fitzsimmons of Auburn, CA, and Michael Connolly of Floral Park, New York; his good friend and mother of his children, Irene Marshall and husband Doyle of Joplin; sister, Charlotte Godwin of Columbus, OH, and brother, Tommy Lesh and wife Carol of North Carolina; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his faithful companion, Domino.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Staff of Gentiva Hospice and especially Dr. Erin Kern for their care and concern over the past few weeks.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Parker Mortuary Chapel with Father Francisco “Paco” Gordillo officiating and burial to follow in Osborne Memorial Cemetery with Danny Lesh, Rick Fredrickson, Wes Barnum, John Pottorff, Chris Reeves, Joe Sneed, and Carl Francis serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Monday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Joplin Humane Society or the American Cancer Society care of Parker Mortuary.
He loved many and was loved by all. He brought his family together from near and far. It was important to him to keep his family close. He was a wonderful uncle and will be missed more than he could possible know. I love you Uncle Gino and will see you on the other side. Love Mary Ellen
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