Eugene Marvin Jonas

Eugene (Gene) Marvin Jonas passed away at home on March 14, 2018 in Centralia, WA. He is survived by his wife, Bunnie, and daughters, Amber (Trev Wilson), and Amanda (Leon Patton), as well as his grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, and Jessica Reynolds, Jared and Alexis Patton, and his great-grandson, Job Reynolds. He is also survived by his siblings, Marilyn (Mike) Nelson, Rick (Cindy) Sommerfeld, and Kent (Renee) Sommerfeld. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Julius and Sylvia Rose Sommerfeld of Port Angeles, WA.

Gene was born on July 24, 1946 in Lakota, ND. His family moved to Port Angeles when he was ten years old. After graduating, he worked at PenPly and joined the National Guard. He and Bunnie were married in 1967 and moved to Centralia, where he managed Fairlanes Bowling Alley for the majority of his career. He spent a few years at Chehalis Bowl and Port Angeles Lanes, then returned to Centralia and Fairway Lanes. He was honored for his years of service in 2008 when he was inducted into the Lewis County Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

Baseball and bowling were Gene’s favorite pastimes. He loved playing ball in high school and the Dodgers were his team. Growing up, he loved hanging out at the local bowling alley keeping score for the bowlers and improving his game. He was blessed to make a living in the bowling business, which he truly enjoyed.

Gene loved God and his family. He was a man of few words, so when he said a prayer or had a talk with you, it was heartfelt. At family gatherings, he will be remembered for his ping-pong skills, and playing games until falling asleep in the recliner. He was thankful for his experiences at the First Church of God, and his favorite verse was, “Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.” John 4:4. He also loved his bowling family and watching all the generations of bowlers come and go. He had a knack for remembering names and faces, even giving nicknames to some as he made them feel welcome.

The family is having a small gathering at home. They would like to thank the community again for the generous dinner and auction that Gene was able to enjoy, and for all the kind words shared with them. This obituary and a digital guestbook are available at www.emmickfunerals.com.

Emmick Family Funeral & Cremation Services - West Seattle