Gene Joseph Eagle
Born: April 5th, 1930
Died: September 19th, 2015
Obituary
Gene Joseph Eagle, 85, formerly of Burlington, Iowa, died at Sierra Vista Hospital in San Luis Obispo, California, on September 19, 2015.
Born on April 5, 1930 in Watseka, Illinois, he was the son of Clement J. and Clara B. Burgett Eagle. He married Anita Mae Dunn on September 10, 1960 in Burlington, Iowa. She died on January 19, 2006.
Gene served in the U.S. Air Force 1951-1955, during the Korean War. He was a member of the 438th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, stationed at Kinross Air Force Base in Michigan. He was employed by Hughes Aircraft/Boeing Corp. in California until his retirement.
Gene will be remembered for his good nature, dependability and dry wit. He always had time for coffee or drinks with friends, and enjoyed spirited conversation about current events. His hobbies included photography, coin collecting, gardening and bargain-hunting. He was a beloved grandfather and enjoyed getting together with extended family during holidays and special events. He loved to travel, and met his wife, Anita, while riding camels in Egypt in the 1950’s. At 82, he traveled to Ireland where he enthusiastically toured the Guinness brewery.
He is survived by two daughters, Claire Nilsen of San Rafael, California and Sandra Eagle Nelson of Los Osos, California; four grandchildren; two nephews and five nieces.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and one brother, James Eagle.
A private burial will take place on October 8th at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, Iowa, next to his wife, Anita. Cremation has been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust (cat.dav.org) or Arbor Day Foundation Trees in Memory (arborday.org) would be appreciated.