Pahrump, Nevada - ON ETERNAL PATROL

Gene R. Wall (Rodney Eugene Wall)

August 10, 1932 - May 1, 2026

We will always remember Gene Wall—our dad, our grandpa, our friend, and someone who meant so much to all of us.

Gene was born in Vernonia, Oregon, to Charlie and Zelma Wall. He grew up during the Great Depression, in a time when people didn't have much—but what they did have was resilience, hard work, and strong family values. Those qualities stayed with him for the rest of his life.

He graduated from Vernonia High School in 1950, where he played sports and built friendships that lasted his entire life. Not long after, he decided he wanted something more than his small hometown could offer. So, with a couple of friends, he joined the Navy.

He served as a cook on submarines during the Korean War—something that ended up being a gift to all of us, because he brought that love of cooking home. Many of us will forever remember his meals... especially that famous Filipino style chicken adobo recipe.

After his service, Gene came home, went to Oregon State on the G.I. Bill, and built a life centered around family. He married Nancy Jean Davis, and together they had three children—Wendy, Patricia, and Charles, but later divorced in 1970.

Gene spent many years working at Tektronix, and even after retiring early, he didn't slow down much. He kept working, stayed active, and most importantly—he made time for the things he loved. And one of those things was golf. He absolutely loved golf... especially when it was free.

In his later years, he lived with daughter Wendy and son-in-law Mike (Dean), first in Portland, Oregon and then in Pahrump, Nevada, where he enjoyed the sunshine and warmth. He passed peacefully in his sleep at 93—just as he often said he would, after a long and fulfilling life.

But if you really want to understand Gene, you don't just look at the timeline of his life—you look at how he showed up for the people he loved. He was steady. He was practical. He was always there.

He gave us guidance—even when we didn't want to hear it. He gave us support—especially when we needed it most. And he gave us a place to land, no matter what was going on in our lives.

So many of our best memories with Dad are the simple ones—camping trips, swimming, movie matinees, holidays, time at the coast, and all the little things he did to make life special, even when money was tight.

He loved his grandchildren deeply, too—always finding ways to help, to support, and to make their lives a little easier.

And in the end, his words were exactly what you'd expect from him—honest, simple, and full of acceptance:

"Oh boy... it is what it is."

Dad... Grandpa...

We love you.

We're grateful for you.

And we'll carry what you taught us with us always.