Eugene "Gene" Clinton Stinnett was born in 1938 in Wichita, Kansas to Therza and Clinton Stinnett, he quietly passed away on April 17, 2017 at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, Mary, sons Gary (Joyce) and Dustin (Jennifer), stepsons, Jeremy (Denise) and Jason (Mitchelle), daughters Ricci, Lori, Brandi, and sister Treva. Twelve Grandchildren Ryan Balkenhol, Lyndsey Balkenhol-Kucza, Kathryn Balkenhol, Chad Stinnett, Jason Stinnett, Christopher Stinnett, Levi Lapping, Kori Lapping, Teagan Lapping, Masen Mathews, Cru Stinnett, Sloan Stinnett. Seven Great Grandchildren Ansen Balkenhol, Cordin Balkenhol, Holden Balkenhol, Blake Moseley, Brendan Moseley, Braydon Stinnett, Lincoln Stinnett.
Gene worked 21 years for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company as an engineer and retired from Northrup Grumman as a Supervisor of Transportation after 10 years of service. In addition, Gene was an active member of the National Guard and was honorably discharged on January 1, 1960.
Gene drove his first car at 13 and was forever hooked with a need for speed. He channeled that need to the world of drag racing and as a driver, set new world records and won many trophies. Throughout his life, Gene worked on restoring classic cars (too many to count), including the 73 Nova that currently sits in his driveway.
He had a great love for his family and friends and possessed a real zest for life. He enjoyed mentoring the kids in his neighborhood and recently provided them with baseball gloves! They lovingly referred him as "Pops."
Gene had a gentle soul and was kind to everyone he encountered. He lived life to the fullest, creating joy in every day as it came! Gene was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM and the service will begin at 3:00 PM at Halley Olsen Murphy Funerals & Cremations located at 44831 Cedar Ave Lancaster, CA 93534.
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