Gene Earl Delaney was born on April 26, 1948, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and was welcomed home to the Lord on August 22, 2026 in Riverside, California. Gene lived his life by the motto God, Family, Country, and he embodied each of those values with unwavering devotion.
A proud graduate of Chowchilla High School’s Class of 1966, Gene enlisted in the United States Army shortly after graduation and served his country with honor during the Vietnam War. Before deploying to Vietnam, he first served in Korea on a missile site, further developing the skills and discipline that would define his military career. Attaining the rank of Corporal, Specialist E4, Gene was later assigned to the Mekong Delta with H Battery, 29th Artillery, where he served as a Hawk Missile Launcher Crewman and worked alongside searchlights, quad .50s, and dusters. Throughout his deployment, Gene demonstrated unwavering courage, resilience, and steadfast commitment to his fellow soldiers. For his brave service and sacrifices overseas, Gene was honorably discharged and decorated with several distinguished military honors, including the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; each recognizing his valor, dedication, and deep sense of duty.
Upon returning home, Gene met the love of his life, Barbara. After their very first date, they knew they had found their lifelong partner. They married soon after and shared 56 beautiful years together, raising three children, Michael, Steven, and Rachel.
Gene was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. He spent 43 years working as an electrician, contributing his skills to various companies and eventually establishing his own business. As technology evolved, Gene developed a passion for computers and launched a second business, helping local individuals and small businesses build custom systems tailored to their needs.
Outside of work, Gene found joy in serving at church, attending faithfully, greeting members at the door, and occasionally leading worship. He cherished family camping trips and treasured the times he spent deer hunting with his son. Gene will be remembered for his witty humor, his memorable sayings, his wisdom and the life lessons he shared so freely. His grandchildren adored him, looking up to him as a strong, loving, and dependable grandfather.
Gene was a man who loved Jesus deeply, cherished his family wholeheartedly, and honored his country proudly.
He is preceded in death by his son, Steven Delaney (Margo); his parents, Earl and Maxine Delaney; his brother, Jerry Delaney; and many beloved extended family members. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Delaney; his son Michael Delaney Lockhart (Geannie); his daughter Rachel Castillo (Armando); nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his siblings Jimmy, Sharon, Gale, and Rhonda; and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
A Graveside Service to honor and celebrate Gene's life will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Road, Santa Nella, California.
Please join us in remembering Gene Earl Delaney by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Delaney Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger
