Eugene A. Oliveira

Eugene Anthony Oliveira was born on December 17, 1946, in the small town of Hanford, CA where he was raised by his parents Tony and Louise Oliveira. Gene, as he was known to his family and friends, passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on September 10, 2024. Gene spent his childhood years living in the countryside of the Delta View area. He attended Hanford High School where he met the love of his life Linda Cardoza. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 and earned the rank of First Lieutenant in 1969. The young couple then moved to Washington until Gene was sent to Vietnam. During his service in Vietnam, Gene was severely wounded when the jeep he was traveling in was attacked, he was shot and also suffered from shrapnel wounds, it was considered “A million dollar wound.” Through his service he earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, along with multiple other service awards. Despite the heartaches and the tragedy he witnessed Gene was always incredibly proud to have served his country. In the early years after being medically discharged from the army Gene attended law school while also working for Kings County Truck Lines. Gene then farmed with his father-in-law for many years until at the age of 50 decided to go back into service and became a California Correctional Officer at Avenal State Prison. It was no easy feat to complete the academy at age 50, but he made it and built a very successful career as a CO retiring after 17 years. His motto was, “We’re both here in this house, I will show you respect, and you show me respect.” Later in life during his retirement Gene became an avid golfer, and was happiest when he was out at the Kings Country Club golfing with different groups and all of his golf buddies. Gene could often be found on the 13th hole taking a shot of peanut butter whiskey, a tradition that will live on for many years with Gene’s golf buddies. Throughout his life he was a member or board member of many clubs and organizations supporting his children and community. He is survived by a loving family: his wife of 55 years Linda (Cardoza) Oliveira and two children, Kamala DeVries and Chad Oliveira and wife Lindsey, his grandchildren Ryder DeVries, Rylan and Eastyn Oliveira, his brother Jimmy Oliveira and wife Sharon, Bobby Oliveira and wife Darlene, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Beverly and Everett Scott, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ronnie and Loretta Toledo, brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Betty Marshall as well as many, many nephews, nieces, cousins, and godchildren. In remembrance of Gene, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Brock Toledo Memorial Scholarship Fund (242 Star Dr., Hanford, CA 93230) or Infinite Heart Hospice (500 S. Chinowth St Suite 102, Visalia, CA 93277

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