In Memory of Former FSA Member Gene Belote

Eugene (Gene) Q. Belote, 91, of Dunedin, Florida, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Empath Suncoast Hospice Care Center in Palm Harbor. 

He enjoyed storytelling. Gene was a master in telling true personal stories from his youth and as a national sales manager.

Gene and Maureen both were active members of the Tampa Bay Storytellers’ Guild, where Gene served as treasurer.  Tellebration was always a highlight of the year, along with the Florida Storytelling Association Festival. Gene was in the Member Showcase at the 2016 Festival.

Maureen was scheduled to be a porch teller again at the recent 2025 Florida Storytelling Festival, but she chose to remain by Gene’s side.

Gene and Maureen were both widowed in 1982, one day apart.  With their marriage in 1984 the blended family included 8 children from Gene and his first wife, and one then 5-year-old from Maureen, who Gene later adopted.

Maureen & Gene were founding members of the Christian Clown Alley, Fools for Christ.  In addition to doing local performances with the group, they started Paysos de Cristo in the Dominican Republic. 

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Gene graduated from Christian Brothers High School in Memphis. and later attended Christian Brothers Junior College, where he earned an A.A. in Engineering.  He supplemented his education later to become a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. His career reached its peak when he became Vice President of Sales at Drew Chemical a division of Ashland Oil.

In a message sent to her friends upon his passing, she wrote:

“It is with a heavy yet joyful heart that I share this message. My beloved Gene passed from this life during the early morning hours of Sunday, February 2, 2025. Many hearts are grieving but we of faith in Jesus are also rejoicing in knowing he is free of the pains and disabilities that were with him in this life. I know that the Lord is with me, all the days of my life. And life here is but a phase.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin, Florida, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.  It will be live streamed and kept as a recording for anyone with a private link that will be accessible by request.  Contact Maureen at genimo@verizon.net.