Homer Gene Brogden

Homer, Gene as he preferred to be called, was age 85 when he passed away, peacefully surrounded by family, at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael, CA, after a long illness. Gene was born on November 9, 1930 in Poolville, TX. He is survived by his wife Carol, of Jamestown, CA, daughter Dianna Brogden of Citrus Heights, CA; (sons) Bruce Brogden, wife Dora, of Pleasanton, CA; Gregory Brogden, wife Rachel, of Pilot Hill, CA; a sister Norma Hodge, of Rocklin, CA.

Gene had three grandchildren, Jessica Sparrow (currently serving in the armed services in Afghanistan), Caleb Brogden, of Pleasanton, CA, and Camille Pagtakhan of Hayward, CA. Gene has two great grandsons, Andrew and Jackson Sparrow of Crestwood, KY.

Gene has several step children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was lovingly known as 'Grandpa Gene.'

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Maynard and Sarah Ina Brogden, as well as ten brothers and sisters.

Gene spent his younger years in Porterville, CA and graduated from Porterville High where he also took the Golden Glove in boxing. His first job out of high school was a Ford tractor salesman for Billingsley and Elliot Ford. He eventually became a car salesman with them as well. Gene had a passion for growing oranges, and owned a couple of orange groves along the way. He also enjoyed working with his hands and helped his brotherin-law build homes in Porterville and Salmon, Idaho where he resided for several years before settling in Jamestown, CA.

He was an avid fisherman and was well known for his fishing adventures, some with humorous catastrophes. He was quite the prankster along with his brother Ray, these created memories some of us will never forget as we repeat those stories with tears of laughter.

Gene also enjoyed gardening, playing card games, and competition 42 dominos against his brothers, sisters, and whomever else he could get to sit down with him. It was always a big event at the grand family reunions.

His wife Carol calls their marriage a Cinderella story. She knew his large family for decades before actually meeting him when he came to visit one of his sisters. She says it was the first time she had been "pursued" and "courted," and it worked. They had several years of traveling, sharing chores, enjoying friends and family. Her favorite time was taking a break from chores, sitting on the back deck, enjoying the view, a glass of ice tea, and each other. They also loved movies and popcorn in the evening, a special together time. She says, 'I was blessed having this man in my life, our love will sustain me now.'

Gene was a friend of all he met, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and 'favorite' uncle to a very large and extended family. He will be missed by all.

Family and close friends will hold a Celebration of Life for Gene on Saturday, March 12, 2016, 1:00 p.m. at the Rawhide Mobile Home Park clubhouse, Jamestown, CA.

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