Gene Clayton Gold

Gene arrived in Baca County on February 22, 1927, the second son of Fred L. Gold and Mary E. (Clayton) Gold; bringing great joy to his parents and three-year old brother, Walter. This happy little family struggled through the hardships of the depression years making their living farming in the Big Rock Community. Gene's brother died suddenly in September, 1928, so he grew up as an only child. Gene attended Big Rock school until the eighth grade; he walked or rode a bicycle four miles to attend school; sometimes he could ride with a teacher or other students along the way. High school meant he would have to find a home in town where he could work before and after school to earn his room and board. Gene graduated in May 1945 from Springfield High School. Gene was drafted into the Navy in September 1945. He completed basic training at San Diego, California and was assigned to the Nehenta Bay CVW and sent to Boston, Massachusetts. Soon after arriving in Boston he was granted leave. Having already sent his pay home, there was no way he could go home except to hitchhike. He learned nearly every state in the Union has a "Springfield". During his adventure home, many times the ride to Springfield took a turn in the wrong direction. After three long days and nights, he reached home safely for a suprise visit with family and friends. One of those frinds was Marvina Merrill. This friendship blossomed into a romance that led to their marrage on Christmas Eve, 1948. Gene returned home from service in October 1946 without seeing overseas action and was employed as a farm laborer by various neighbors. The first years of Gene and Marvina's marriage were spent in Kansas where Gene was employed by Charlie Winger northeast of Johnson, Kansas. Their son, Gene Deverle was born November 27, 1949. The family moved to Gardena, California, in May of 1950, where they made their home for nearly twelve years. Gene attended National Schools in Los Angeles under the GI Bill , learning diesel, automotive, and allied mechanics. His first job was as a trainee at Harvey Aluminum in Torrance, California working on automatic screw machines. He learned the trade and advanced to supervisor of his department. His next job was in a small machine shop as a foreman. Gene went into business for himself moving mobile homes within the state for the last three years in California. The family finally returned to Baca County in April of 1962 where his twelve-year-old son grew to manhood on the farm. It was a realy joy for the family to return to the peace of country living. Gene's son Deverle graduated from Springfield High School in 1968 and Lamar Junior College in 1971. Gene wanted to make sure Deverle had a good start in farming and he included him in the family farming operation. Gene is proceded in death by his mother Mary; father Fred; brother, Walter; and his son, Deverle. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 60 years, Marvina. In lieu of flowers and plants a memorial fund has been set up at Colorado East Bank & Trust for the Baca County Library.