Eugene Anthony
Eugene K. Anthony passed away on Sept. 4, 2014, at the age of 86. Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wanda Anthony; son Mark Anthony; daughters Meribeth Anthony and Tanni Lee Anthony Cascio; son-in-law, Wayne Cascio; grandchildren, Sara and Andrew Lugert; and cherished dog, Skipper. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was known for his integrity, deep intellect, incredible articulation skills, keen sense of humor, and love of golf, animals, and new vocabulary words. He was a role model for many, including his family, friends, and colleagues across the country.
Gene was born in Sidney, Mont., on Dec. 16, 1927. His parents were Violet and John (J.B.) Anthony of Watford City. Gene grew up in Watford City with his two siblings, Phyllis (Bergeron) and Peter. He helped his parents operate the Anthony Café in Watford City during his adolescent years. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, with a minor in History, in 1949, and he earned his Law degree in 1951 from the University of North Dakota. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953. Gene married Wanda Brown, from Oklahoma, on Oct. 25, 1952, and the couple had three children.
Gene had a long and distinguished legal career. He was licensed by the North Dakota State Bar Association in 1951 at the age of 23, and was, at that time, the youngest attorney in the state. He managed a private law practice in Watford City and served on the North Dakota State Board of Abstract Examiners. He was the State’s Attorney for McKenzie County from 1957-67.
The family moved to Fargo in 1967, where he served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota from 1967 to 1977. During this time, he served as Acting U.S. Attorney on two occasions. As a federal prosecutor, he averaged 12 to15 jury cases a year and argued three to four criminal cases annually before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Gene ended his career as a federal Administrative Law Judge in both the states of Michigan and North Dakota from 1977 to 1990, where he presided over more than 7,000 disability cases.
Gene and Wanda moved to Horseshoe Bay, Texas, after his retirement, where they lived for 15 years in prime golfing country. In late August of 2013, the couple relocated to Lakewood, Colo., to be closer to family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Lakewood, Colo., on Oct. 5, 2014.
Memorials may be made in Eugene K. Anthony’s name to the Humane Society or the Salvation Army. Condolences may be sent to Wanda Anthony, 2409 South Holman Circle, Lakewood, Colo. 80228 or to ekakuku@tstar.net.