Eugene F. Whitsel

Eugene "Gene" F. Whitsel passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 8, 2005 at his home in Garden Grove, California, with his loving family at his side.
Gene was born in Commerce, Georgia on September 23, 1932 to Joel Haden and Minerva Jane Whitsel. He graduated from Carnesville High School in 1950 and then joined the U.S. Air Force on July 7, 1950. He was based in England and on several bases in the U.S., where he served as a Senior Aircraft Hydraulic Mechanic in the 22nd Bomber Wing, working mainly on B-47 bombers, earning a National Defense Good Conduct Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on July 6, 1954 from March AFB in Riverside, California.
Gene attended Harbor Junior College, and eventually went to work for Garrett AirResearch (which became part of Honeywell) in 1958. He worked in their Ground Systems Support Group in Los Angeles, performing many technical and leadership roles, including working on the early NASA space programs. He transferred to Tucson, Arizona in 1986, and he retired in April 1997, after 39 years of service with the same company.
Gene married Joyce Muir of Mendon, Utah, sister of his best friend Don Muir, on New Year’s Eve 1963. They settled in Garden Grove in 1965 and raised 5 children.
"Pops" had a passion for cars, especially old helpless ones, and could fix anything mechanical, from children’s toys to household appliances. He was always "tinkering" on some project or building something in the house. He also liked to garden and was especially proud of his roses and his tomatoes. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and caught a 25 pound salmon last October on the Sacramento River.
"Tata" also loved his family, particularly his 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Our family vacations were usually spent driving around the western states in his ‘64 Chevy truck and camper.
He is survived by his beloved "dolly", Joyce, and children Richard Nielsen, Darlene (George) Orduno, Beverly (George) Jeffers, Don (Diane), and Teresa (Mike) Walker, all in California; grandchildren Bobby, Steve, Joe, Kristina, Shauna, George, Nathan, Justin, Jacob, Haley, Alexandra, and Natalie; great grandchildren Garrett, Derek, Tyler, Alec, Blake, Ryan, and Benjamin. He is also survived by his brother Joel ("Buddy"), and sister Ruth (Winfred) Royston, both in Georgia. He also leaves behind his pet cockatiel "Buddy".
We’ll miss you, and we hope there are hardware stores and auto parts stores in heaven to keep you busy.
Viewing is scheduled Thursday December 15, 2005 at 11:00 AM and services begin at 1:00 PM at Allen - Hall Mortuary at 34 East Center Street, Logan, Utah. Graveside services will follow at Mendon Cemetery in Mendon, Utah.