Eugene “Gene” David Jacobson

Gene was a talented storyteller and painter, an honored veteran, and a beloved father, grandfather, and husband.

Eugene “Gene” David Jacobson was born on March 21, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Dan and Ruby Mary (Clark) Jacobson and passed away, surrounded by family, on October 22, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas, where he had resided since 1999. Gene is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Russell Dan Jacobson.

Gene attended his primary education in the Kansas City area. Gene went on to pursue higher education at Westminster College and Kansas City University (now the University of Missouri-Kansas City, UMKC), as a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

Gene served active duty in the United States Army Anti-Aircraft Command from 1954 until 1956 as a communications specialist and cryptographer, designing, developing, and implementing encryption methods to secure information. After discharge from the army, Gene earned his Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri in 1958.

Gene married his wife of 63 years, Martha Lynn (Kew) Jacobson, on August 11, 1962, in Atchison, Kansas. Gene and Martha lived in Gladstone, Missouri, and raised their family there until 1999, when they moved to Lawrence.

Employed by several companies, including Farmland Industries Advertising in the Sales Promotion Division from 1963 to 1983, Gene spent his professional career working in copywriting, broadcast, print, publishing, and advertising development.

Gene served in a variety of philanthropic capacities within his community, including coaching Little League Baseball and other athletic teams. Gene also served as Chairman of the Board of the Voluntary Action and Information Center for the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, and was a member of the VFW.

Gene spent his retirement years painting, creating arrowhead art, and spoiling his cats.

Gene is survived by his wife, Martha Lynn Jacobson; children, David Lance Jacobson (Jennifer), Damascus, MD, and Melinda Diane Downs (Michael J.), Lawrence, KS.; and grandchildren, Caleb and Mikayla Downs, and Emma and Noah Jacobson. Gene is also survived by a few beloved pets.

There are no services scheduled at this time, though we celebrate his life and the love he shared with his family through memories, stories, art, and donuts (lots of donuts). Gene will be so dearly missed by his family, friends, and pets, though we cherish all the moments we were lucky enough to share.