Gene Clayton Halsey passed away early Sunday morning on January 12th. He was born in Whitesville, West Virginia, the first-born son of Orville James Halsey and Mary Maybelle Weeks. Gene had three brothers and two sisters.
The stories Gene told his daughters of his childhood were of crazy adventures in the West Virginia hills: running from a snake chasing him down a dirt road, turning over an outhouse with a woman in it, falling off a roof and eventually losing his ring finger to gangrene, and more…!
After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and sailed all around the world for the next four years. In 1958, Gene completed his service in the Navy and moved to Arizona where his family had relocated for health reasons.
Months later, Gene visited his sister Pat and met her neighbor Delores. She happened to have a sister whose name was Eunice — and the rest is history!! Gene and Eunice were married on June 13, 1959.
Gene’s entire working career was with Magma Copper Company and BHP for 38 years. He was a hard worker and a committed employee. Gene began his career as an underground copper miner and was subsequently promoted to the position of Mine Safety Inspector which allowed him to teach mine safety classes. He was known by the nickname “Bull” at the mine. This name came from his famous relative Admiral “Bull” Halsey from World War II!
Gene and Eunice raised three fun daughters Valerie, Melinda, and Rhonda in Mesa, Arizona. Gene liked to take his girls and their friends to the lake in his boat to fish and water ski. The family also went snow skiing, camping and took summer trips to Wisconsin and Illinois to visit family. Gene bought a ping pong table which became a favorite competitive activity! His girls enjoyed watching baseball games on TV with their dad or going to spring training games together! Travel has been an enduring love for the family as they created many happy memories on their trips.
Gene enjoyed playing softball with his church team. He and Eunice loved fishing, especially in Alaska during many ongoing summers. Gene also competed on a billiards team in Sunland Village, where the two enjoyed happy retirement years. Thanks to their daughter Valerie, and her travel opportunities, they toured China, Russia, Europe, the Panama Canal, and numerous U.S. cities.
Gene will be remembered for his fun nature, the sweet smile on his face, the twinkle in his eye, his sense of adventure and how he innocently teased the girls. Others said your dad was so handsome, we noticed he combed his hair perfectly and wore a collared shirt – always looking his best. Your daddy was a sweet man – we love our daddies, don’t we? Fond memories of Gene, he was an amazing and kind person!
Gene is survived by his wife Eunice, daughter Valerie, grandson Ryan, daughter Rhonda (Craig), grandsons Dylan and Austin, granddaughter Brianne (Travis), great-grandsons Jordan, Brody, Ryder, granddaughter Lindsey (Chris), great-grandson Andrew, and great-granddaughter Charlotte. Gene will be greatly missed by all his family and the many friends and acquaintances he made throughout his life. He was a selfless man who was always willing to lend a helping hand and show a friendly smile. Gene is now in heaven with his dear daughter Melinda who was deeply loved and well missed.
The family and Gene’s friends will celebrate his life on Friday, January 31 with a pre-service viewing. The service will begin at 11:00 am at St. Luke Lutheran Church 807 N. Stapley Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church. Gene will be interred privately at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.