He is the son of Jerome Asay Jr (1888-1964) and Mary Louise (Jensen)(1893-1977. He received his Elementary Schooling in St George and atended Dixie Junior College before entering the Air Force in October 1952.
Gene drowned during a Fishing Trip while on duty with the Air Force in Scotland. The Air Force reported that he drowned when his boat capsized in Lake Monteith. His body was recovered from the lake. Gene was in the boat with three other U.S. Airmen and two Scotsmen. Another airman and two Scotsmen drowned in the Tragedy. Two airmen managed to swim to shore.
He was ordered to Scotland with the Air Force in December of 1953, assigned to security work.
Funeral Services were held on Monday, July 23rd 1956 in the St. George Fourth Ward of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Graveside Services were at the St. George City Cemetery.