Eugene Lee Fercho

Eugene “Gene” Lee Fercho, of Boise, Idaho, passed away June 12, 2026.

Gene was born on February 22, 1943, in Nampa, Idaho, the middle child of Fred and Anna (Martell) Fercho. He grew up in Middleton and Caldwell, graduating from Middleton High School in 1962. He met his life partner, the former Carol Lynne Burton at Caldwell High School. They were joined in marriage on October 19, 1963, in Caldwell. They were blessed with three daughters over the next decade; Kelly Lynne, Kimberly Kay, and Gena Marie. Gene and Carol enjoyed 55 years of marriage until she passed away in 2019.

Gene served in the U.S. Air Force at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington from 1963 to 1967 as a jet engine mechanic. After the service, the family returned home to the Treasure Valley and made their home in Caldwell where they opened Gene’s Appliance Service. Later, the family moved to Boise, where he opened his second business, Capital Refrigeration, in partnership with Lee Probst.

In the late 1970’s Gene sold his share in the business and joined the Idaho Air National Guard at Gowen Field full-time as an HVAC repair technician, eventually rising through the ranks to Senior Master Sergeant and closing out his military career as the 124th Civil Engineer Squadron Superintendent. He served the state of Idaho and the U.S.A. until March 2003 when he retired. During his time in the Idaho Air Guard, he served tours in Honduras, Panama, Japan, and several hard-hit islands in the Caribbean building schools, performing hurricane repair and always enjoyed helping people overcome disaster and have better opportunities in life. He also performed snow removal and plowed Idaho roads during some of the state’s worst winters in the 70’s and 80’s and 90’s. In life, he was a helper, a fixer, a confidant, a protector, a provider and a friend. Family was his priority, but he would help anyone at the drop of a hat. Always freely and without fanfare, but with a little teasing and plenty of laughs along the way. He always enjoyed a little banter with the nearest waiter or waitress.

Gene’s passions included fly fishing, golfing, hunting, watching western movies, especially John Wayne, old Mustangs and Chevy trucks, camping and spending time with friends and family. His best days were when he could spend time with his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gene is survived by his daughters Kelly Walsh (Mike), Kim Richmond, and Gena Fercho, grandchildren, Amanda Dillow, Jessica Diaz (Victor), Chase Richmond, great-grandchildren Makenna, Jett and Jaycie Dillow and Ryleigh and Manny Diaz, sisters, Shirley Whitney (Steve) and Helen Sherrer, sister-in-laws Patsy Fercho and Barbara Shepherd, numerous nieces and nephews and aunt Cassie Knudsen.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, parents Fred and Anna Fercho, father and mother-in-law Chap and Gladys Burton, brother, Emil Fercho of Portland, sister, Marilyn Tucker and her husband John, special nephew, Randy Fercho of Portland, and sister-in-law, Jan Engel.

Gene will be remembered for his dedication to his family, special bonds with his grand kids and great grand kids, and his strong work ethic throughout his life. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A committal service will be held, 2:00 pm, Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho, with full military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Gene’s honor be made to The Shriners Children’s Hospital www.shrinerschildrens.org

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City, Idaho. 208-853-3131