Gene Ashcroft Toolson

Gene Ashcroft Toolson was born on November 9, 1930, in Logan, Utah to Richard Harper and Gertrude Ashcroft Toolson. He was the seventh of eight children and enjoyed being the baby of the family for nearly ten years until his younger brother Brian came along.

Growing up in Smithfield, he was a proud Cache Valley boy. He attended North Cache High School where he was a skilled athlete, competing in track and field, and was an all-state football player. After high school he moved on to Utah State University and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. Gene remained an Aggie the rest of his life, always rooting for his alma mater.

Gene married his eternal sweetheart LuJean Chugg, a fellow Cache Valley native, on June 2, 1953. This began a wonderful 70-year adventure that spanned many states and grew to include 8 children, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Through the years Gene and LuJean were steadfast in their partnership and commitment to their family, providing a solid foundation and shining example not just for their own children but grandchildren as well.

Throughout his life, Gene was guided by his faith, and he sought to serve to the best of his abilities. He was an active, lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding numerous callings including scout master, member of the bishopric and high council. From 1992 to 1994 Gene and LuJean served a mission in Hawaii. Later in life he worked for 21 years at the Bountiful Temple. Gene was also interested in and proud of his heritage. He leaves behind a rich collection of family history and genealogy that his descendants will continue to cherish.

In addition to being dedicated to his family and faith, Gene was also dedicated to his country. He proudly served 32 years in the Air Force, graduating from pilot training and ultimately attaining the rank of colonel. While serving in the Air Force, Gene was also an engineer for the Bureau of Reclamation. His military service took the family to Utah, Kansas, Texas, Pakistan, and beyond.

Gene was an avid collector of stamps and coins. He was known in the family for his love of puzzles, golf, sweets, and the stock market. The family was fortunate to be able to celebrate Gene and LuJean’s 70^th wedding anniversary in June 2023. While neither loved being the center of attention the memories and photos taken that day will be treasured by all.  

Gene is survived by his wife of 70 years, LuJean, his children Michael (Melody), Lisa Meyer (Paul), Steven, Jeffery (Suzanne), Leann Woodbury (Calvin), Lori Tesch (Peter) and Richard (Sandy), 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and his brother Brian (Linda). He is reunited with his daughter Lana, his parents and siblings Beth, Burns, Kay, Charles, Landell, and Patricia.

While we mourn his loss and will miss him deeply, we are grateful for his 93 years and the guidance, love and example of a life well lived he gave to us all. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26,2024, at the Bountiful 31^st Ward, 585 East Center Street, Bountiful, Utah.  A viewing will be held Friday morning from 9:00-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment- Smithfield City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

In lieu of flowers please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services:  https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services