Gene was born in 1934 in Oklahoma City. He graduated high school in 1951 and enlisted in the US Navy the following year, where he served for 26 years. After retiring as Sr. Chief, Gene worked in commercial plumbing and lived with his family in Gilroy.
Gene suffered from various illnesses, and died peacefully in hospice care.
He is survived by his wife Anne, sister Dixie, brothers Roland and Art Neil, his children Glenn, Victoria, Gary and Steven, and three grandsons, Michael and Jack Chuck and Zachary Scowden.
A private military service will be held in San Diego. Donations may be made to Veterans of America.
