Delbert Eugene Pinion was born in Tulsa on February 3, 1920, to John C. and Lillian D. Cooke Pinion. He died Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Gene, a 1939 graduate of Central High School, attended the University of Tulsa and then on to teach at Spartan School of Aeronautics. He later went to work for Bendix Corporation before he went to work as an instrument technician for Lockheed Corporation in Ireland where he met and married his wife Geraldine Corr.
Gene was deployed by the U.S. Army to Tokyo, Japan, then to the Philippines. The story he particularly enjoyed recalling was of his experience in the Philippines when General Douglas MacArthur accepted the formal surrender of Japan. He had also been to General MacArthur's home to repair a clock and accepted an invitation from Mrs. MacArthur to have tea with her and MacArthur's son. Upon his return to Tulsa from the Pacific Theater, he began his career in the oil and gas business.
Besides picture taking, Gene was a wonderful cook and gracious host; and was known for his famous fudge, Fudge Delight. After his retirement, he enjoyed accompanying his wife to her estate sale business. He was happiest being with his family, enjoying his yard, having a good laugh, or singing Irish songs. He loved everything Irish, especially his wife.
Gene's survivors include his wife Gerry, of the home, and their five children; daughter Bernadette Smith and her husband Ron, son Michael E. Pinion, daughter Nancy Beaver and her husband Steven King, son Seamus P. Pinion and wife Pam, and daughter Gerriann Pinion; his two grandsons Sean L. Smith and his wife Lisa Coffee-Smith, and Philip E. Pinion; his three great grandsons, Conner Henley, Brendan L. Smith and Spencer W. Smith; and many other family members. He was preceded in death by his only granddaughter, Tara E. Smith, and by his two brothers, Sidney J, Pinion and Robert L. Pinion.
Gene spent this past year at the Claremore Veterans Center in the Alzheimer's Facility where he received the most wonderful care by their dedicated doctors, nurses, aides and their entire staff. His family is sincerely appreciative and grateful for the professional and personal care he received while there.
A Rosary will be held 7:00pm Thursday, February 10, 2011 and Mass of Christian Burial 10:30am Friday, February 11, 2011 both at Church of Saint Mary. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.