Source: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/woodlake-ca/m-gene-lobdell-7446079

M. Gene Lobdell
April 16, 1923 - June 8, 2017

M. Gene Lobdell , age 94, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2017 at Quail Park Enhanced Assisted Living in Visalia, California.

He was born at home in Blanchard, Oklahoma on April 16, 1923 to Cecil W. and Wilma McCary Lobdell. Gene grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1942. He was in the first group of 19 year olds drafted for World War II. He served from 1943 to 1946 in England as a corporal for the United States Air Corps. During the war, Gene took advantage of the many correspondence courses offered. Upon returning home, Gene married his high school sweetheart, Helen Merington , and they settled in Los Angeles, California. It was then that Gene completed his education. He first attended community college then transferred to the University of Southern California. In 1951 Gene graduated with his degree in pharmacy and began a 60 year career as a pharmacist.

In 1963 Gene moved his family to Visalia, California. He owned and operated the Three Rivers Drugstore for many years and also worked at many local pharmacies throughout the valley. He continued working until he was 85 years old. Gene was a member of the Three Rivers Lions Club, VFW and Chamber of Commerce. He attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and went on many medical mission trips with the church serving as the pharmacist. Gene enjoyed gardening, stamp collecting, coin collecting and music. He remained a Trojan football fan his entire life and donned a Trojan jacket and cap to watch every game on television.

Gene especially loved traveling. His travels took him to most of the world. He took beautiful pictures in Africa, Asia, Australia and Antarctica to name a few. It was easier to ask Gene where he had NOT been then where he had travelled. If asked what his favorite travel destination had been he always replied the Galapagos Islands. It was his joy to include one or more of his children or grandchildren on his many trips. His love of travel was infectious and he passed this on to many of his grandchildren.

Gene is preceded in death by his wife Helen; daughter Janette Christy Lobdell ; and brothers Kent Lobdell and Buddy Lobdell.

He is survived by his daughters Becky Parker (Tim) of Bremerton Washington and Janeen Lorenzi (Edward) of Visalia, California as well as his grandchildren Jeanie Castillo (Frank) of Missoula, Montana; Michael Scott (Katey) of Hanford, California; Rob Christy of Lindsay, California; Daniel Parker (Meshi) of Davis, California; Sarah( Dan) Smart of Bremerton, Washington; Elizabeth(Alan) Kelly of Santa Rosa, California; Tony (Angie)Lorenzi of Exeter, California and Lisa Lorenzi of Visalia, California. He also leaves behind 15 precious greatgrandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 2:00PM at Quail Park, 4520 W. Cypress, Visalia, California. Viewing is available on Friday morning, June 16 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia. He will be buried in a private service at Woodlake Cemetery beside his wife, Helen.

He will be remembered for his generosity and true kindness. He was always a gentleman and treated others with respect and dignity.

The family wishes to thank Cheryl, R.N. with Kaweah Delta Hospice and all those at Quail Park Enhanced Assisted Living for the genuine love and professional care given to Gene throughout the last 6 months. We also thank all at Quail Park Lodge for giving Gene a sense of community during the 13 years that he lived there.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.