Thomas Eugene "Gene" Hinds

Thomas Eugene “Gene” Hinds, 87 passed away May 14, 2021 shortly after a visit with family and his pastor. Gene went peacefully to heaven at 2:50 pm.

On August 23, 1933 Gene was born to Thomas Gordon Hinds and Edna W. (Miller) Hinds in Yoakum, Texas. The same small town his parents and younger brother, Joseph Weldon Hinds were born.

In 1936 the Hinds family moved to Needles, CA where his father, Gordon got a job with the Santa Fe Railroad.

As children Gene and Joe spent their summers in Yoakum with their Miller grandparents swimming in Big Brushy Creek, eating homemade ice cream and playing with their Texas cousins and friends.

After graduating from Needles High School in 1951, Gene continued his education at San Bernardino Valley College and completed a two year program. Gene worked for the Santa Fe Railroad until he enlisted into the U. S. Army in September 1954.

After completing Basic Training on November 27, 1954 at Fort Ord, Gene was selected to transfer to Fort Eustis in Virginia with the Transportation Corps. Primarily because he was the only soldier who could type. On July 30, 1956 Gene was honorably discharged after earning the rank of PFC.

Gene’s goal was to finish his education and obtain a degree so he enrolled at San Diego State University (SDSU) using funding through the GI Bill.

While attending SDSU Gene met a cute young woman, Marlla Lyons, who was “out of his league”. So Gene’s plan was to enroll in the same dance class Marlla was taking. This plan worked and after Gene graduated from SDSU in 1958 they were married on August 29, 1958. They were lucky enough to spend 62 happy years together. Gene and Marlla had four children: Barbara, Thomas Eugene Jr., Robin and Valerie. Gene was the proud Papa to five grandchildren, Doug, Jenny, Sadie, Cole and Caroline.

Gene was successful during his career in the Insurance Industry, regularly getting promotions which usually meant moving every few years. These places included San Diego, CA; Concord, CA; Yorba Linda, CA and Parker CO and Payson, AZ. Just to name a few of their hometowns.

Gene and Marlla loved to travel and went to Europe several times including spending a couple days behind the “Iron Curtain”. They enjoyed cruising to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and through the Panama Canal. Family trips to Vail Colorado for Thanksgiving and skiing were always fun.

After Gene and Marlla (teacher) retired they landed in an over 55 community in San Jacinto, CA. Gene took leadership roles in promoting the Democratic Party, their church and served several terms on their HOA Board.

Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 at 12:30pm at Miramar National Cemetery,5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122 with the following people acting as pallbearers: Joe Hinds, brother; Tim Hinds, nephew; Cole Grossl, grandson; Jeff Grossl, son-in-law; Al Venton, friend and Rick Singleterry, friend.

Gene loved politics, college sports and gardening but mostly he always loved and adored his beautiful wife and family. He will be greatly missed.