Gene’s family migrated West during the great depression era and Gene joined the US Navy fulfilling a full term and receiving training as an Architectural Draftsman. After an honorable discharge; this occupation became his life-long occupation. During this time his family had migrated to Kerman, Fresno County, California. In Kerman, he met and married Juanita Faye Reeves on May 21, 1955. They stayed married until her death in 30 October 2012. They originally moved to Fresno, Fresno, Ca. then to Clovis, CA; where Gene worked as a Draftsman and studied at night thru Fresno City College to get his Architect’s license.
Being employed by different firms in Fresno thru the years, Gene always had time for God’s work and designed many churches in California. Gene’s last job was as head building inspector for Fresno County.
As Juanita lingered until her death, more and more her caretaker was a longtime family friend from Kerman, Elsa G, Guajardo. Elsa had grown up in a large family in Kerman. After Juanita’s death Gene ask for her hand in marriage and on 16 February 2013 they married and lived happily in their Clovis, CA home until Gene’s passing on 10 January 2023.
Gene’s parents and seven of his brothers and sisters preceded him in death. His two surviving siblings are Kurtis/Linda East and Sam/Debbie East. Elsa also has many brothers and sisters alive and well. Gene also had 26 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews!
Serving as pallbearers are Daniel Barandalla, Mike Guajardo, Kevin East, Kelly East, Johnny Guajardo, Miguel Guajardo and Dusk Bolden.
