1936
F.
2015
F. Hampton
February 24, 1936 — December 15, 2015
“A Teaching Life Well Lived”
F. Gene Hampton, 79, was born February 24, 1936 to Fred and Margaret Hampton in Kansas City, KS and died on December 15, 2015 in Kansas City MO. Gene was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Gene started his long, distinguished career in education when graduating from Southeast High School in KC, Mo in 1954. He received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Central Missouri State University in 1958 and an MS degree from the University of Missouri four years later. Later, in 1977, Gene was awarded a doctorate in Science Education from the University of Kansas. Although Gene majored in physical education in the beginning, he discovered his true niche in teaching to be in the high school biology classroom. There he taught for a total of 44 years before retiring and taking a position teaching biology part time at Johnson County Community College for six more years. In all, Gene was involved in science teaching for 50 years.
Gene was indeed a master teacher having received the Kansas Biology Teacher of the Year Award, the Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence, the KC STAR Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Kansas Teacher of the Year Award (Region lll), the National Teacher Award for Community Service in Science and Technology, and was inducted into the Mid-America Education Hall of Fame and the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame.
Gene also had a far-reaching effect on pre-college students in the KC Metro area in his role as Executive Director of Science Pioneers, Inc., which organized and presented teacher workshops, student seminars, and the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair-a position he held for 27 years. During this time, he served as chair of the International Science and Engineering Fair Advisory Board for two different terms.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents Fred G. and Margaret L. Hampton, and his brother David L. Hampton. Survivors include his loving wife of 26 years, Toni S. Hampton of the home, daughters Suzanne D. Hampton (Kourosh Raeen), Lawrence, KS, and Sheryl L. Hampton (Tim Huggins), Prairie Village, KS, and Grandson Alexander Jet Huggins. Additionally Gene is survived by extended family, Doty Shepard and sons Josh, Logan and Zaden of Bayfield, CO. All four grandsons adored their Grandpa Gene and learning science and the knowledge that he eagerly shared. Also it is notable that there is a star named “Grandpa Gene Hampton”, so named on Feb. 24th, 2014, by the Astronomical Society. Gene’s star is in the Auriga constellation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Master Gardeners of Johnson County, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1500, Olathe, KS 66061-7057 jo@listservksu.edu or The Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City MO 64145 wwwkchospice.org. A science-related memorial for Gene to be announced at a later date is being organized by former students and their parents.
According to Gene’s wishes there will be no service; instead there will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Gene’s life on Monday, December 28th at Johnson County Funeral Chapel at 11200 Metcalf Avenue from 1 to 3 in the afternoon.
F. Gene Hampton, 79, was born February 24, 1936 to Fred and Margaret Hampton in Kansas City, KS and died on December 15, 2015 in Kansas City MO. Gene was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Gene started his long, distinguished career in education when graduating from Southeast High School in KC, Mo in 1954. He received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Central Missouri State University in 1958 and an MS degree from the University of Missouri four years later. Later, in 1977, Gene was awarded a doctorate in Science Education from the University of Kansas. Although Gene majored in physical education in the beginning, he discovered his true niche in teaching to be in the high school biology classroom. There he taught for a total of 44 years before retiring and taking a position teaching biology part time at Johnson County Community College for six more years. In all, Gene was involved in science teaching for 50 years.
Gene was indeed a master teacher having received the Kansas Biology Teacher of the Year Award, the Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence, the KC STAR Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Kansas Teacher of the Year Award (Region lll), the National Teacher Award for Community Service in Science and Technology, and was inducted into the Mid-America Education Hall of Fame and the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame.
Gene also had a far-reaching effect on pre-college students in the KC Metro area in his role as Executive Director of Science Pioneers, Inc., which organized and presented teacher workshops, student seminars, and the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair-a position he held for 27 years. During this time, he served as chair of the International Science and Engineering Fair Advisory Board for two different terms.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents Fred G. and Margaret L. Hampton, and his brother David L. Hampton. Survivors include his loving wife of 26 years, Toni S. Hampton of the home, daughters Suzanne D. Hampton (Kourosh Raeen), Lawrence, KS, and Sheryl L. Hampton (Tim Huggins), Prairie Village, KS, and Grandson Alexander Jet Huggins. Additionally Gene is survived by extended family, Doty Shepard and sons Josh, Logan and Zaden of Bayfield, CO. All four grandsons adored their Grandpa Gene and learning science and the knowledge that he eagerly shared. Also it is notable that there is a star named “Grandpa Gene Hampton”, so named on Feb. 24th, 2014, by the Astronomical Society. Gene’s star is in the Auriga constellation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Master Gardeners of Johnson County, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1500, Olathe, KS 66061-7057 jo@listservksu.edu or The Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City MO 64145 wwwkchospice.org. A science-related memorial for Gene to be announced at a later date is being organized by former students and their parents.
According to Gene’s wishes there will be no service; instead there will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Gene’s life on Monday, December 28th at Johnson County Funeral Chapel at 11200 Metcalf Avenue from 1 to 3 in the afternoon.
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