Gene Kennon
“What else are you doing at 6:30 in the morning on Tuesdays?”
That was the closing argument in his sales pitch for joining Gene’s Gesters Toastmasters in Las Cruces. It was a great membership building campaign speech. Gene Kennon was a founding father of Toastmasters in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The club founded originally as University Toastmasters underwent a name change to Genes Gesters to honor his dedication and achievements. His son, Fred Kennon, is credited with the name and former club President, Jack Welch, pushed the initiative through. Gene was a driving force for the club for decades and a huge inspiration to those he met. He was a Distinguished Toastmasters in addition to serving the community as a City Councilor, lay leader of his church, and various local civic associations.
During District 23’s Spring 2009 Conference in Las Cruces, Gene received the district’s Communication & Leadership Award.
Gene entered eternal life on June 23, 2015 at the age of 92.
