Gene Russell Aragon

Gene Russell Aragon passed away peacefully at his home on November 29 at the age of 72 surrounded by family.

He fought a heroic battle with cancer and faced his illness like all other challenges in his life: Head-on, with his chin up and a joke on cue. Even during hardest times, his first concern was the people around him. He enjoyed helping people and was always ready to go to the ends of the earth for a friend. It seemed like everyone was his friend. Hunting coyotes and guiding elk hunts were two of his favorite things. His true passion, however, was roping. He would rope all day everyday if he could, and it showed. He was rare, in that he actually roped better with age. He loved his friendships in the roping world and they were a huge part of his life.

He lived on his own terms, with integrity, compassion and generosity and he will forever be missed.

He is survived by his wife: Jana; daughter: Shelly; son: Gene Cory; brothers: Charles and Jack; sisters: Cynthia and JoAnn. His parents: Octaviano (Cracker Jack) and Virginia Aragon were awaiting him at Heaven’s Gates to welcome him home.

The Celebration of Life will be at The Cow Palace, located at the Grants Rodeo Grounds on December 16 at 11 a.m. Reception will follow.

Compassion Mortuary is handeling the arrangements