Gene Garry Dupras was born on October 2, 1947 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. When he was four years old he moved with his grandparents to San Diego, California, where his Grandfather took-up the career of commercial fishing. This is where Gene’s love of fishing began. During Gene’s life he took on many different skills and excelled at each one of them. The skill he was most famous for was fishing, with the expertise of catching largemouth bass. Gene hooked a 17.7lbs largemouth bass in Lake Hodges in 1984, then out did himself in 1985 catching a 20.4lbs bass in the same lake, landing a spot on the world record list of freshwater largemouth bass caught, which his name still resides on this list today.
Besides fishing, Gene had many hobbies through the years; woodworking, shooting and reloading, making custom rods/bait/sinkers and lures, wielding, shooting pool, hunting, and camping. He was also a longtime volunteer for the Lakeside VFW, Lemon Grove Rod & Gun Club, and just before he passed, he held most dear to his heart, the Santee Eagles.
Gene also was a proud Veteran for the Army. He enlisted in the Army reserves then moved to active duty and served in the Army during Vietnam.
He also took on several careers through his lifetime. With each job he held, he perfected it. Always being observant and efficient in everything he did. Gene consistently had the mind set of “you can do anything, if you put your mind to it.” He was most noted for being a Tool and Die Maker and was in Jig and Fixtures. Gene worked for General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and ULA. He worked on all types of projects for the Department of Defense, which included the DC10, MD11, Atlas, Orbiter, made custom parts for G131, the advanced cruise missile, F106, F102, F16, and Boeing 761 to name a few. Gene also took on the challenge and worked a few years as a local dirt & gravel truck driver.
Gene had a love of learning and always took on tasks that were challenging, which kept his mind sharp. We will all miss his words of wisdom, his attention to detail, and his love for life.
Gene is survived by his wife, Carla Dupras; his daughter Jessica Mims (Ryan) of Lakeside, California; his son Matt Dupras of Spring Valley, California; and his daughter Katie Boyd (Cory) of Lakeside, California; his brother Douglas Dupras of Illinois and his stepbrother Blaine Tucker (Cheryl) of Wyoming.
Gene is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Dakota Mims, Lucas Mims, Austin Boyd, and Lexi Boyd.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elcajonmortuary.com for the Dupras family.
