Swindy
Moderator
Registered: 05/04/06
Posts: 141
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Reply with quote | #1 |
I thought I would let you all know that Leslie Eugene "Gene" Fooks has written a book that is for sale directly from him or you can buy it on Amazon.com. Personally, I would buy the book directly from Gene.
The book is titled, "The Pre-Atomic Age" and I recommend the book highly, not necessarily for its WW II content (even though that is good) but for a better understanding of where many of the men who fought in WW II came from and how the Depression years molded their lives and character. I thought it was a very good read, personally.
If you wish to order directly from Gene, here is the necessary information:
Phone: (575) 887-0306
Address: 1018 Alamosa, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Email: gfok@mywdo.com
Cost: $26.00 which cover tax and postage
I met Gene at this past year's reunion and my only regret is that I did not have sufficient time to spend visiting with him. He is a delightful person. My hope is that I will again some day have the opportunity to meet him and then I will make sure I take time to spend with him. It will be time well spent.
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Joel
463rd BG Historian
Proud son of 1/Lt Leroy J. Swindlehurst (1921-1950)
Navigator, 772nd Squadron
Joel@463rd.org
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Swindy
Moderator
Registered: 05/04/06
Posts: 141
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Reply with quote | #3 |
You found an original copy of the 463rd history book "The Fighting 463rd." That is completely different from Gene Fooks book. And yes, since it is a collectible, the "Fighting 463rd" will be expensive, just like any other, particularly of this genre. It is almost considered a rare book any more
What is sad that many times the books are purchased at estate sales at a ridiculously cheap price by someone who knows what they might bring on the market. Those selling them do not realize the value of the books, especially to other descendants of the 463rd veterans who do not have one the books. I am fortunate in that I do have the one of my father's plus a Kinko's copied version from Hal Rubin. The Kinkos copy is better than nothing, if nothing else for the information.
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Joel
463rd BG Historian
Proud son of 1/Lt Leroy J. Swindlehurst (1921-1950)
Navigator, 772nd Squadron
Joel@463rd.org
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Donna
Registered: 11/05/09
Posts: 1
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Reply with quote | #4 |
Good afternoon,
I just wanted to let you know that one of your comrades has passed away. Gene Fooks lived here in Carlsbad and we attended the same church. We were also in the same small group and he was a very interesting man. He used to come by my office at the church and visit with me about his life, but his health has been declining since May. He won his reward on Saturday, October 31st, as he quietly slipped into the arms of Jesus. I do believe that those who knew him were blessed. He had written several books and was quite a poet. I have copied and pasted his obituary as well s his picture from the local newspaper for your convenience.
My own father was in the 454th Bombardment Group and has always been very proud of being in the service. His name is Don Cook and he will 87 on December 7th, 2009; and is still going strong in Oklahoma.
I really appreciate everyone who has served our country and fought the freedoms that we enjoy today. Thank you so much for putting your life on the line for all of us.
May God bless each of you!
Donna
 
Leslie "Gene" Fooks, 87, of Alamosa Street, passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at Lakeview Christian Home.
Visitation will be 1-2:30 p.m. Friday at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Friday at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Terry McKean officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery. Carlsbad Veterans' Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Leslie "Gene" Fooks was born Nov. 22, 1921, in Texico, N.M., to Mack Churchill and Rosa Katoria (Miller) Fooks. His military career was as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Following the military, he attended Abilene Christian University graduating in 1948, and then he began his work as a minister of the gospel. Gene retired from the ministry in 1970, but continued as chaplain at Lakeview Christian Home for 18 years. He is the author of five books: "The Tipton Home Story," "Select Stories By Christians," "Fellowship of Believers," "The Desert Queen" (a book of poems) and the most recent book, "The Pre-Atomic Age." He was a member of several civic organizations while here in Carlsbad, including Lions Club, Friday Focus, VFW, American Legion and Ministers Alliance, just to name a few.
He will be remembered as a loving man of principal, courage, conviction and faith. His hobbies included volunteer work, gardening, writing, bible study groups and photography. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Rosa Fooks; four sisters; and six brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Jean Fooks of Carlsbad, N.M.; two daughters: Jackie Fooks of Bakersfield, Calif., and Kathy Gage and husband, Larry of Portland, Ore.; three grandchildren: Brian Gage and wife, Robin of Marina Del Rey, Calif., Derek Gage of Atlanta, Ga., and Leslie Gage of Atlanta, Ga.; and nephew, Ken Vanderslice of Duncan, Okla.
Pallbearers will be Larry Gage, Derek Gage, Rick McKean, John Russell, David Long and Don Patterson.
Should friends desire, memorials might be made Lakeview Christian Home, 1905 W. Pierce St., Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.
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Swindy
Moderator
Registered: 05/04/06
Posts: 141
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Reply with quote | #5 |
Donna,
Thank you so much for the post regarding Gene. I had the privilege of meeting Gene and getting to know him better at the 463rd BG reunion in Dallas Texas a couple of years ago. I had corresponded with him via email occasionally and he graciously gave me a signed copy of his book, "The Pre-Atomic Age." He was a wonderful man in just the very brief time I was able to spend with him at the reunion. I will forever remember him as a good and gentle man. My son also received his Master's degree at Abilene Christian University.
Thank you again for the notification regarding Gene. He will be missed but our prayer is that his "Last Flight" had a smooth landing.
__________________
Joel
463rd BG Historian
Proud son of 1/Lt Leroy J. Swindlehurst (1921-1950)
Navigator, 772nd Squadron
Joel@463rd.org
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