CLEVELAND, Ohio — Eugene Esque, 71, of Cleveland, Ohio, formerly of Earling, went to be with the Lord and reunited with his parents, Claude and Hazel Musick Esque, and his sister, Carol Esque, around the King’s throne on Monday, August 23, 2010, from Cleveland after a short illness.

Born August 31, 1938, at Earling, he was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Leonidias and Flora Swann Esque, and maternal grandparents, Everett and Dora Salyers Musick.

Eugene is a 1956 graduate of Man High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957 until 1959 where he attained the rank of corporal. Eugene loved to share with his family and friends his memories of military life. He was a painter formerly employed with Patrick Media and an active member of local union 639 where he served as vice president until his retirement in 2002 and was granted a Life Membership in the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. He enjoyed traveling, experiencing Europe, the U.S. and Canada by train. Interested in all cultures, Eugene explored each region using Hostels and rented rooms in private homes. Devoted to his mountain heritage, he loved coming back to West Virginia to visit and share memories with his sisters, whom he often gathered for trips to the beach. The photographer of the family, he enjoyed sharing his photos with the whole family. He enjoyed golf and poker with his friends, organizing the Local Union 639 annual golf outings for many years. His love of gardening always ended with making his famous Salsa out of the tomatoes and peppers he grew. A talented carpenter, Eugene enjoyed planning and executing major projects on his home, the homes of his sisters, and his daughter’s home. One of his childhood passions that Eugene carried into adulthood was his love for collecting old cowboy comic books and movies. His collection includes Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy and many more.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Helen Canterbury Esque; two daughters who were the lights of his life and gave him excellent care in his last days, Kimberly Esque-Marino and her husband, David, and Cher Esque, both of Columbus; two brothers, Harold (Norma) Esque of Port Orange, Fla., and Charles (Helen) Esque of Hopewell, Va.; four sisters who adored him, Joyce Perry of Man, Linda Wooten and Patricia Esque, both of Taplin, and Dreama (Danny) Peters of Accoville, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The most special day in the life of Eugene was on May 5, 2010, when he returned to the church where his mother had worshiped during her life, Bethlehem Freewill Baptist at Rita, and gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ insuring his home in heaven with his Savior who had blessed him all of his life. Returning home, he became a member of the Cleveland Freewill Baptist Church. For our family, “Ebb” will always be missed, the memories he left held close in our hearts all of our days. The joy of his life shared freely with us all will warm our hearts forever. We look forward to catching up with you in heaven “Big Brother” and hearing all about your travels “up there”.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 4, at the Bethlehem Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Butch Cobb officiating.

Honoring his request his remains have been cremated. 

Information supplied by Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home of Man.