Wallace Eugene Nelson

Born in Bakersfield, Ca., Gene was the firstborn to Alfred and Ruby (Cook) Nelson. Gene lived in Bakersfield until, at the age of 5 years, he moved to Kettleman City, Ca. to be with his Dad who at that time was one of the earliest Standard Oil wildcatters in the Kettleman Hills oil fields.

Gene began his education with first grade enrollment in a one room schoolhouse in Kettleman City and graduated from Lemoore High School in 1943. Shortly after graduation Gene enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 25, 1943 and served in the European and African Middle Eastern Campaign during World War II.

Once the war ended in Europe Gene returned to Kettleman City and home on March 19, 1946. Soon after his arrival, and using a little trickery, close friends introduced him to Betty Jane Leavens who would become his wife and closest friend for the next 76 years. They were married on August 12, 1946 and never failed to say “I Love You” and kiss each other goodnight every night since.

Soon after they were married Gene and Betty moved to San Luis Obispo where Gene enrolled and began his pursuit of an engineering degree in HVAC, a cutting edge technology in those days. And then, literally, life happened for Gene. Faced with the upcoming birth of Sandra, Gene put aside his books and dreams and followed his Dad into the Kettleman Hills oil boom via employment with the Standard Oil Company (now Chevron Oil). Soon after, Gene and Betty were blessed with the birth of two daughters. Sandra was first on May 21, 1947 and Peggy followed on January 17, 1950.

Gene began his career as a welder and wildcatter and through many years of hard work, diligent commitment to Standard Oil, dutiful husband and father, Gene eventually retired as District Supervisor from Chevron after 38 years of unblemished service. After retirement Gene spent several more years with Chevron as an independent consultant on an as needed basis in the planning, construction and maintenance of an oil pipeline network in Central and Southern California.

Gene’s storied life would not be complete without the mention of just a few of the major accomplishments he attained prior to his passing. While still attending high school, Gene and his good friend Red (Jimmy) Wiles bought and successfully operated a garbage removal and trash hauling business serving both residential and business needs in and around Kettleman City. They ran this business until Gene left for military service in July, 1943.

Again, still in high school, Gene knocked on doors, sold new car raffle tickets, and convinced local residents to sign a petition calling for the construction of a community swimming pool. Using funds from the sale of raffle tickets and with some financial support from Standard Oil the pool was opened in 1941.

Gene was also a 60 year member of Masonic Welcome Lodge #255 in Lemoore.

Ask his wife, children, grand children, sons-in-law, sisters, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends and they can all attest to the fact that the Lord truly gave this world a blessing as long as Gene Nelson walked the earth.

Gene was preceded in death by his Father; Alfred Nelson, Mother; Ruby (Cook) Nelson, Step-Mother; Ruth (Warner) Nelson, Sisters; Charlotte “Patsy” Wheeler (Tom), Phyllis Close, Patricia “Patty Lee” Dockstader (Dick), Daughter; Sandra Galindo (Steve), and Grandson; Steven E. Galindo.

Gene is survived by Wife; Betty Jane (Leavens) Nelson, Daughter; Peggy Gilbert (Richard), Granddaughters; Heather (Hewitt) Kahn, Page (Hewitt) Adams (Tobias) and Robin Hewitt. Also remembered is close family friend Erin Snyder.

Please direct any donations to your favorite Veterans Service organization. A private service is planned.