Eugene Watland Waples passed peacefully at the age of 90 on February 12, 2022. Gene was born on June 12, 1931 in Monterey Park, California. He lived most of his life in Riverside, California, graduating from Poly High School in 1949. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on January 6, 1950. He had been stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, where he met the love of his life and wife Mariko. Gene served as a radar operator, Airman First Class with the 623rd Air Control and Warning squadron, call sign "Lightsword." For his service to his country, he was awarded the Korean Service Metal, UN Service Metal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Gene was honorably discharged on December 23, 1953.
After returning home from the military, Gene worked for nearly 50 years for American Parts System- 40 years full time, and 9.5 years part time. He retired as a Warehouse Supervisor. During many of these years he also worked part-time at the YMCA. Gene is remembered by many who worked with him for his work ethic, for always getting the work done, and having high expectations of his staff, in which he encouraged many to do their best. Gene worked 2 jobs, often 7 days a week, but was always there to support his young family, along with many extended family members back in Okinawa. He will always be remembered for being humble but generous. He was a great mentor to many, leading by example in his work ethic, character, strength, stability, and moral compass. He touched many lives, and was often described as humble, quiet, "salt of the earth", a rock, even-tempered, and a voice of reason.
Gene loved music of all kinds, reading old western and spy thrillers, and most of all photography. He took pictures of everything and especially of his family. He also became quite computer literate at the age of 80 when his family got him a Mac computer. Throughout the years he also owned multiple dachshunds- all named Sukoshi that he loved dearly.
He was predeceased by his wife by a mere 144 days Mariko Waples (passed September 21, 2021) and by his parents H. Gerald Waples and Mildred Berniece (Watland) Waples. He is survived by his brother Gary B. Waples (Judy) of Colorado, his three children Diane M. Colonelli (Joe), Rodger B. Waples (Paula), and Richard B. Waples. His four grandchildren were the light of his life- Aaron J. Colonelli (Melissa), Nicholas G. Colonelli (Tavish), Samantha A. Russell (Timothy), and Randall B. Waples (Amanda). We were also lucky to have his three great-grandchildren know him- Abigail G. and Sophia G. Colonelli, and Nolan G. Waples. He is also survived by his niece Cindi Fields (David) of Idaho, along with many beloved nieces and nephews and family members in Okinawa.
Gene was a first rate role model of a husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He will be sorely missed, but those of us left behind are grateful that he touched our lives.
A memorial will be held at Riverside National Cemetery on February 28, 2022 at 2:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation for Veterans and First Responders.