Gene Omer Naugle

Gene Omer Naugle, a devoted veterinarian, outdoorsman, and lifelong horseman, passed away May 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, quiet strength, and deep love for both animals and family.

Gene was born on May 17, 1940, in Imperial, Nebraska, to Oval Naugle and Lois Ashmore Naugle. He grew up on a rural Nebraska farm where horses were central to daily life. They were not only essential for farming but also served as transportation-carrying him to a one-room schoolhouse-and later became part of his family’s livelihood in thoroughbred racing. These early years instilled in Gene a lifelong respect for animals and the land.

On June 17, 1961, Gene married Vel Deden, who remained his best friend and steadfast partner in life and work for 65 years. Together, they shared not only a deep personal bond but also a professional one, particularly during the years when his veterinary practice was relocated to Penrose, Colorado.

He graduated from Venango High School in Venango, Nebraska, in 1958. Determined to follow his calling, Gene went on to attend Colorado State University, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1964.

In 1965, Gene was drafted into the United States Army and stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison. After his honorable discharge, he returned to civilian life and began pursuing his long-held dream of caring for animals. He established himself at Airway Veterinary Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he faithfully served the community as a veterinarian until 2000. As the city expanded, Gene chose to continue his work in a quieter setting, relocating his practice to Penrose, Colorado. There, he remained dedicated to his profession until his reluctant retirement in 2015-stepping away only as age and years of honest, weather-worn labor took their toll on his body.

Gene’s life outside of work was just as rich. He had a deep love for horses and mules, and he found his greatest joy in the outdoors. Whether game hunting with his sons and granddaughter or riding through Colorado’s rugged mountain trails, he embraced every opportunity to be in nature. Countless miles were traveled and memories made in the high country he loved so dearly.

A man of many talents, Gene enjoyed woodworking and spent hours with his tractor, always building, fixing, or improving something. He had a gift for repair-if something was broken, Gene could fix it. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures: a good steak, a fine scotch, and the satisfaction of a day’s honest work.

Gene’s connection to animals went beyond his profession; it was part of his soul. It is said that with his passing, even the animals seemed to mourn. His life was a testament to dedication, resilience, and quiet compassion.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Vel Naugle; his sons, Greg Naugle (Wendy Naugle) and Troy Naugle (Danielle Naugle); his daughters, Sheri Johnson (Jim Johnson) and Tracy Lee (Mike Lee); eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oval and Lois Naugle; and his brothers, Jerome Naugle and Wayne Naugle.

As the saying goes, “When a man dies, a library closes.” With Gene’s passing, a library of knowledge, stories, and wisdom has been lost-but the lessons he lived will continue on in those who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.