Eugene Andrew Gleason, aka "Geno" age 94, of San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully at his home on August 20, 2022 after a chronic illness.

• Eugene was born on June 21, 1928, in the midst of the "Great Depression" to Eugene "Jack" Gleason and Lucile Agnes Johnson in Wichita, Kansas. Eugene had three sisters, Hattie, Hazel and Ernestine and one brother, Rudolph. Eugene attended R.T. Coles Vocational High School in Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) where Eugene learned the trade of auto mechanics and tailoring.

• At the age of 17, Eugene accepted the call from the US President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), for men to help during World War II (WWII) and enlisted in the US Army Air Corp. Despite the segregation and racial tensions within the US Army Air Corp, Eugene persevered and went on to serve proudly and earned a Victory Medal in 1947 and a honorable discharge. Eugene's last station was Schofield Army base Honolulu, Hawaii.

• Upon returning home, Eugene worked for the city of Kansas City, MO. Eugene loved life to the fullest and often was found in the music and historic epicenter of Kansas City, Mo. (18th & Vine) shooting pool, spinning a pretty girl on the dance floor the Swing,  Boogie Woogie, the Jitterbug, the Foxtrot and other 50's dances or catching some jazz or Big Bands from the various greats that passed through Kansas City. Eugene took his enthusiasm for life and followed his cousin, Clarence Edwards, to Oakland, CA then later Eugene moved to Vallejo, CA where he bought his first home.

• In California Eugene was an entrepreneur and an activist. Eugene first worked in masonry as a Hod Carrier for Local 166 then created his own masonry business specializing in crafted fireplaces and landscaping. Other businesses were Deck and Patio Construction then Trucking services where he supplied trucks to migrant workers in the Central Valley and finally Geno's Tire Service, affectionately known as “The Tire Doctor”. During the late 50's into the 60's Eugene was an activists who believed in and championed equality for all.  Eugene marched along side  greats as Cesar Chavez, Willie Brown (former CA speaker of the house), the Black Panthers, and others who were fighting injustices.   Eugene became well known in his community with local officials and civic leaders as one who spoke up for the underserved and worked for improvements in his community.  Eugene was a founding member of the Country Club Crest Community Association which provided summer programs, educational services and free lunches for the underserved.

• Eugene loved the outdoors and the beauty of his country. He was an avid horseman, he and his Tennessee Walker, “Lady G" where seen around town, in parades, horseshows or part of the volunteer mounted sheriff patrol. Eugene just enjoyed life to its fullest. He loved to explore and discover new things. He loved to go camping, riding his motorcycle, his bicycle for two, watching sports, dancing or listening to all types of genres especially jazz and big bands of his day. But his all-time favorite past-time was meeting and talking with people.

• In the late 80's Eugene moved to southern California (San Diego County) where he was an active member in his community. He volunteered with the National City food bank providing food and services, an active member of the National City Lion's Club, Christmas in July, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and quick to give an encouraging word or a helping hand to anyone that was in need of help. Eugene spent his last 10 years as a resident of Alpha Square where he was often seen with his two babies, "Trip" and "Case" (mix Chihuahua), taking in the day or sharing stories and spending time talking with his many friends at Alpha Square.

• Eugene was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. Anyone who knew Eugene knew that he was stern yet the most loving father and full of many stories of times once before. He was unendingly proud of his children and always tried his best to give them the tools to do well in this life.

• Eugene was predeceased in death by both parents, three sisters Hattie Borner, Hazel Wroten, Ernestine Hightower, one brother, Rudolph Gleason, three wives, De Etta Jackson, Nellena Faulkner, Maria "Lupe" Castellanos, one son Eugene III "Tony" and grandson Carlton L. Chapple.

• Eugene is survived by three sister-in-laws; Louilla Gleason KCMO, Helen Harper KCMO and Marketta Hayes Columbia, MO; eight children; Zelda Frazier of KCMO, Helen Green of KCMO, Larry of KCMO, Sophia "Gee" Harris of Los Angeles, CA, Etis Fathy of La Mesa, CA, Erika Whalen of La Mesa, CA, Lucille "Lucy" (Henry) Goodwin of San Ysidro, CA and Unree Johnson of Vallejo, CA. In addition, He is also survived by a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives who each and all will sorely miss him.

• His daughters would like to specifically thank VA Nurse Diane McGuirk for her exceptional care and comfort she gave our father, Travis Larson of Alpha Square for his special friendship he shared with our father, Donna Johnson for her assistance with our father and all the special people and friends at Alpha Square. We thank each of you for the love, care and support you shown our dad.

The family requests: 

• Any donations we asked that you give to the "Frosted Faces Foundation" in honor of Eugene Gleason for his love of his two comfort pets.  We would be honored to help another Veteran or person will the gift of a comfortable pet.   https://frostedfacesfoundation.org/memorial-and-honor-donation

• Any plants or flowers to be sent to the residents of Alpha Square attn. Travis Larsen 550 14th street San Diego, CA 92101.

• Any notes, cards or letters to be sent to 219 W Spruce Ave. #6 Inglewood, CA 90301.

Laid to rest:

Military ceremony on Oct. 24 2022 at Miramar National Cemetery -San Diego, CA at 2:30 p.m. sharp!

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