EUGNE KENNETH GAMBLE

Eugene "Gene" Kenneth Gamble, a widower, brother, and stepfather, passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2025, in Beaumont, California, at the age of 78. He is survived by his step-children, Mandy Ison and Michael Rose; his sister, Elaine Achemire; and his two beloved cats, Annabelle and Daisy. Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Gamble, who passed away in February 2023, as well as his parents, Mary and Albert Gamble, and his sisters, Janet Krueger and Dianne Gamble. Gene was born on July 13, 1947, in Bangor, Maine. He lived in Frankfort and later Prospect, Maine, on small farms with his sisters, Janet, Dianne, and Elaine. They helped their parents with a large garden each summer, cared for animals like cows, pigs, chickens, and German Shepherds, and cut wood in the fall and winter to heat their home. After his father passed away in 1964, the family moved to Lewiston, Maine, before moving cross-country to Yucaipa, California, in 1965, where Gene graduated high school. In 1968, his mother passed away, and Gene, who was working as a machinist, was drafted for Vietnam. He was no longer considered a sole surviving son after his mother's death. After completing basic training in Fort Hood, Texas, he served two tours as a vehicle mechanic. The war profoundly changed his perspective on life, and he returned a different man. After the war, Gene went on to work for over 30 years as a tool room technician at Skyline in Hemet and delivered newspapers for the Press Enterprise. At one time, he also owned a small engine repair business that he operated out of his garage, repairing lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and other gardening equipment. In the mid-70s, Gene married his first wife, Ruth Bird, whom he divorced a few years later. On January 18, 1987, Gene married his second wife, Juanita Rose, on her birthday on the front lawn of his house in Beaumont. They were married for 36 years before her passing in February 2023, and while they had no children together, Gene helped to raise his stepson, Michael Rose, and stepdaughter, Mandy Ison. Gene's love for riding motorcycles often took him and Juanita on road trips across the country on his 1800cc Honda Gold Wing. As part of the Over the Hill Motorcycle club, they included Michael, Mandy, and others in their adventures to places like Illinois, Kansas, Nevada, Wisconsin, the Grand Canyon, Sequoia National Forest, and Yosemite. When not motorcycling, Gene, Juanita, and their family often went bowling in Hemet. Their favorite vacation spot was Big Bear, where they spent time on the lake fishing, renting pontoon boats, and enjoying Fourth of July fireworks with family and friends. Gene and Juanita could also be seen at the Perris Speedway, cheering on their favorite monster truck, Grave Digger. Although Gene was not a Star Trek fan, he attended many of Juanita's fan club events, including trips to Ren Faires, JPL open houses, The Living Desert, airshows, museums, and more, as a loving and supportive husband. For the last decade, Gene, Juanita, and Mandy have spent Christmas together at Mandy's home in San Diego, where they exchanged gifts, explored the city, and made plans for the new year. Gene was a loyal, stern, and stubborn man with a good sense of humor. While he often had difficulty expressing his emotions and sometimes had a bad temper, he was willing to engage in new experiences for the sake of those he loved. He had more of an impact on others than he knew; he inspired his stepson, Michael, to join the Army, and never hesitated to help his stepdaughter, Mandy, when she needed it. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. Gene will be laid to rest on August 15, 2025, at 10:45 am at Riverside National Cemetery. If you wish to contribute to a cause, consider donating to these in Gene’s name: Wounded Warrior Project and Veteran’s Charity Ride. “Freedom is never free.” https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org https://www.veteranscharityride.org/how-to-help.html

EUGNE KENNETH GAMBLE

July 13, 1947 - July 4, 2025