Lawrence Eugene Whitmire

His start in life wasn't peaceful or secure. He was born on January 16, 1926 to James Warren Whitmire and Louann Parton Whitmire. He never had any memories of his father as he was only 2 years old when his father died. For 3 generations his paternal family had farmed in Indian Territory, Oklahoma near what is now Ft. Gibson, after walking in the Trail of Tears. Gene was born in Ft. Gibson Oklahoma and lived his early years in the Muskogee area. His mother died when he was 12 and he was sent to various relatives to live. He worked in hay fields and cotton fields and even ran away on a train for adventure that turned out not to be great at all.

Gene had 3 brothers - His brothers were Clyde, George and Charles. Their early years were spent separated but they managed to always be close. All three brothers preceded him in death.

His high school years were spent at a boarding school called Chilocco Indian Agricultural Trade School. They would learn a trade one day and the next attend school. He left school before graduating and joined the Navy to follow the example of his two older brothers. He was barely 16 when he joined and was sent to San Diego for basic training. He was in the Navy from 1942 to 1946 working in aviation. The military gave structure and dependability and he said he never had 3 meals a day before which he really enjoyed.

After the service he moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon where his older brother worked in the timber industry. He attended business school and began working for M.L. Johnson Insurance Company. Gene met and married his bride Wanda at work and they were never apart for the next 68 years. The marriage example they set was a wonderful testimony to everyone touched by their lives. There was never any doubt how much they loved each other.

Gene and Wanda and their two daughters - Janice Lou born in 1951 and Lorilee Ivy born in 1954

decided to try working in San Diego where they hoped better opportunities were available. He worked for years going to school at night to finish his GED and get his college degree. Gene started working for Mobile Homes Acceptance Corporation and the Epsten family. He was an accountant and Enrolled Agent and had his own tax business for several years. He worked for Mobile Homes since 1960 and thru the years the Epstens became like part of our family. His friendship with Bert Epsten was as if they were brothers. Retirement was a fluid subject for Gene. He retired from Mobile Homes Acceptance as Chief Financial Officer but really only stopped working about 6 months before his passing. His mind was sharp until the very end and his dry sense of humor always present. He kept up on the latest technology and current events and never lost his love of race horsing. He was proud of being a partner in ownership of several race horses and loved the thrill of the race.

Family was most important to Gene. He was the rock of the family and extended family. Children of his deceased brothers always looked to him for guidance and help and knew he was there. His daughters rejoice over the length of time they had with him and will cherish him forever. He was the best example for them of what a real, dignified, generous and compassionate man could be. His 3 grandchildren were born in 1981, 1982 and 1983 and a whole new world opened for him. He truely enjoyed them and loved being a grandfather. A special look came over his face when he was with them. As time went on the family grew with step-grandchildren and now great grandchildren. Jacob, Olive and Katie and the baby to come were sweet reminders of a legacy of love.