1921
2013
Eugene "Gene" Larkins died on January 12th, 2013 at the age of 91. He was a resident in Whittier California for 62 years. He was born in Twin Falls, ID on June 9, 1921, the child of Fred Owen and Sadie Maria Larkins.
Gene attended high school in Perris California where he excelled as an artist and baseball player. Perris High School's mascot is a Panther which was designed and painted by Gene and is still in existence today.
Gene joined the Army Air Corps on Dec 15, 1941. After completing basic training, he eloped to Yuma, Arizona, to marry his high school sweetheart, Juanita Mildred Miller, on Feb 28, 1942 and had a son Mel Larkins. Gene went to Wayne, NE for Air Crew Training and was deployed to the Aleution Islands in an air defense battery. He was re-deployed as part of a Military Police Platoon to the 102d Infantry Division arriving in France on June 8, 1944 at Utah Beach and moved to the German-Netherlands border entering combat. In November 1944, he was involved the attack and crossing to the Roer river near Krefeld to enter Germany advancing toward Berlin. Gene was involved in the famous battle of the bulge remembering "the entire English Army was headed up the road in the wrong direction". In April 1945, Gene was re-assigned to the 103d Infantry Division and was part of the forces which liberated and mopped up the infamous concentration camp at Dachau and received an honorable discharge on Sept 28, 1945.
After the war, Gene married Evelyn Sue Hanes in 1946 at the Southside Church of Christ in Los Angeles and attended school at the LA Arts Center. Following school, he worked for Walt Disney Studios drawing Donald Duck.
Gene and Evelyn settled in Whittier California and had two children Sue and Brad Larkins. He was the owner of Larkins Sign Company on Whittier Blvd. To this day, there are many signs that where originally designed and painted by Gene throughout the Whittier area.
Gene was active in the Whittier Church of Christ. The family traveled often with it's Church "family" to vacations such as Yosemite and Tahoe. He was an active trout fisherman enjoying many Lake Crawley opening days and was an original member of Friendly Hills Country Club and enjoyed golfing.
Gene was predeceased by his parents Fred Owen and Sadie Maria Larkins and his brothers and sister Ellard Grant Larkins, Duard Fred Larkins, Robert Arie Larkins and Betty Maxine Larkins-Fogliasso.
Gene leaves behind his wife of 66 years Evelyn, three children, Mel (and Bambi) Larkins, of Simpsonville NC, Sue (and Tony) Alesi of Brea CA, Brad (and Chris) Larkins of Newport Beach CA. In addition he leaves six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Gene will be buried at the Riverside National Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of Rose Hills Company, Whittier, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 22, 2013
Cliff, Joyce, DeWayne,and Jeff Watson
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
January 19, 2013
Cynthia (Lang)Godlin
I too have wonderful childhood memories because of you, Uncle Gene and Aunt Evelyn, Sue and Brad. I feel very fortunate that my parents had such great friends. Thank you so much for all the love, laughter and art-insights. I know our Lord welcomes you with open arms.
January 18, 2013
Bill Lang
I am sad to hear of Gene's passing. As I grew up in virtual constant contact with the Larkins Family, Gene was very much my second Father. He was a great friend to my own parents, and a joy to be around. I will hold wonderful memories of Gene always. God's blessing on the extended Larkins family.
January 18, 2013
Rest in peace, Mr. Larkins, my longtime friend and neighbor. With clear vision and youthful strength, embrace and enjoy the beauty of heaven. I extend my sincere condolences to your family ... Suzanne Falaro, friend. (Rose Hills) Whittier.
January 18, 2013
Mel Smith
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Gene, he will be greatly missed. Gene was blessed to live a long interesting life. Psalms 90:10 says that those who live to be 80 and older have "extra strength", Gene had that. May you keep fond memories of him always in your heart as you seek the peace and comfort that only God can give at this time of sorrow.
January 16, 2013
Brad Larkins Larkins
"I willl love you and remember you always"
January 14, 2013
Dina, Arranger Rose Hills Memorial Park
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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