Eugene Charles Fall

Eugene Charles Fall, age 100, passed away on Thursday September 5, 2019. Gene was a long-time resident of Goleta, California but was lovingly cared for in the last 3 years of his life by his oldest daughter, Shelley, and her family, in Illinois. Prior to this, Gene and wife Phyllis lived in Virginia where they were cared for by their daughter Jan and her family in their home.

Gene was a World War II veteran, serving with the U.S. Army as a Commando in Africa, Italy and Ireland. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant serving in intelligence as a non-commissioned officer. At age 77, Gene wrote his memoirs detailing his war years and early life, as a gift to his family. After the war, he attended the University of Florence in Italy and then Gates Business College. He met the love of his life, Phyllis, when they worked together in Minnesota. They soon moved from the cold Minneapolis winters to sunny Southern California where they made their home for many years. Gene worked for General Motors in the Research and Development plant until he retired at age 62.

Gene was a strong Christian man, a wonderfully patient husband and devoted father as well as a friend to many. He truly enjoyed life; singing and whistling tunes for every occasion, and he had a kind and sunny disposition. A quote from his memoirs stated, “I made up my mind that if I ever got through the war and returned home, nothing would ever get me down again!”. He lived contentedly like that every day, inspiring his daughters to want to be “just like Dad”. Gene also enjoyed golfing, square dancing, and helping friends and family. He sang in the church choir and was an Elder for many years. He was a man of integrity, honor, humor and humility who inspired his family and all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his two daughters, Shelley (Fall) Soger and husband Randy of Mt Vernon, Illinois, and Janine (Fall) McKernan and husband Michael of Goleta as well as five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Services for Gene will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, where he and his wife will be interred together. Arrangements have been made through Osborn Funeral Home in Dix, IL.