November 4, 1922 – January 7, 2019
Resident of Oakley
Gene Stonebarger (Stoney) passed away peacefully on January 7, 2019. He was born on November 4, 1922, the son of Frank and Merle Stonebarger. He is survived by his loving wife Ruth of 76 years, his 4 children, Frank (Marcia), Larry (Maureen), Glenn (Jeannie), Sandy, along with 12 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death his daughter Jeannie.
Gene graduated from Liberty High School in 1940, completed a 2 year horticulture program at UC Davis, married Ruth in 1942, and thereafter served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II from 1943 to 1945. He was part of the 490th Bombardment Squadron “Burma Bridge Busters” – stationed in China, Burma and India.
Born in Kearney, Nebraska and after a short stay in Southern California, his family settled in Oakley where his father found work due to the Oakley town fire in 1927. Starting with 10 acres of farmland, he built his family home and expanded to 400 acres, growing almonds and walnuts. Gene served as a director on many boards such as Blue Diamond Almond Growers, East Contra Costa Irrigation District and was a commissioner of the Oakley Fire District. Gene was an avid fisherman and loved hunting. Gene will be remembered by many, but the legacy he created will live on through his family.
Visitation will be held at Brentwood Funeral Home – 839 1st Street, Brentwood on Monday January 14th from 4-8pm. Funeral at Golden Hills Community Church – 2401 Shady Willow Lane, Brentwood on Tuesday January 15th at 10am. Burial at Union Cemetery – 11545 Brentwood Blvd., Brentwood. Celebration of Life immediately following at Brentwood Golf Club – 100 Somerset Drive, Brentwood
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Liberty High School - Stonebarger family scholarship fund