Gene LaRoche, 82, of Green Cove Springs, FL, passed away August 2, 2017.  He was born on July 29, 1935 in Crescent, Georgia to the late Remer Schuman and Willamina LaRoche.  Mr. LaRoche came to the area in 1991 from Salinas Valley, California and was a member of Beulah Baptist Church.  He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.  Mr. LaRoche loved people – he never met somebody he didn’t know!  He was recently preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne LaRoche. Mr. LaRoche is survived by his children, Marcus LaRoche, Willa LaRoche Jones, Gena LaRoche Hammond, Laura and Jack; 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 9:00am Thursday, August 17, 2017  at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors, where he will join his beautiful wife.