[INEDC]
Harmon Gene Eakles died peacefully at his home in El Dorado Hills, CA on January 29, 2020 at the age of 89.
7/23/1930-1/29/2020
Gene was born July 23, 1930 in Buena Park, CA. He grew up in the towns of Armona and Avenal, CA and was an accomplished student and athlete. After graduating high school he studied Animal Husbandry at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. He went on to join the Air Force, attending their Yale University School of Language and serving in the Korean War. Upon returning from his Military service, he began working as a Police Officer for the Los Angeles, CA Police Department. It was during this time that he met and married his wife of 64 years Eleanor Jacqueline Long Eakles. Gene had a
passion for learning and pursuing professional goals. During the course of his life, he held many positions, building a career in the field of Criminology and Corrections. After completing his BS in Animal Husbandry, he earned a Masters Degree in Criminology at Fresno State University. This led him to hold positions throughout the California Central Valley and Sacramento area as a probation officer, correctional counselor, teacher of criminology, head of parole, deputy warden, and associate warden. He retired as the Associate Warden of Folsom Prison in 1987, but returned to work, helping start up the California Prison Industry Authority in Folsom, CA retiring again in 1993. In addition to his career in Corrections, Gene served 25 years in the Coast Guard Reserves, retiring at the rank of Captain in 1983. Gene loved his family, had a kind heart towards all animals, and was a faithful Christian for 77 years. He is survived by his wife Eleanor Jaqueline Eakles; children, Erick Eugene Eakles and Sandra Eleanor Eakles Cook; Six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. His grandson Jacob preceded him in death in 2016.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held February 29th at 11:00am at the Folsom Point Church of Christ: 900 E. Natoma Street, Folsom, CA.