Lasting Memories
Eugene Jerome Walls
April 9, 1944-Sept. 27, 2025
Pleasanton, California
Submitted by Sara Campbell
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eugene “Gene” Jerome Walls on September 27, 2025, at the age of 81.
Gene was born on April 9, 1944, at Parris Island Marine Corps Base in South Carolina to Dorothy (Little) and Eugene (Brown) and was lovingly raised by his mother and dad Melvin Walls.
He grew up in Southern California, where he spent his youth body surfing at the beach, being an amazing big brother, dancing to big band music, camping with his family in their Jeep club, and enjoying time with his grandparents. During his senior year of high school, he completed his GED and joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
After his honorable discharge, Gene met the love of his life, Fran. The two settled in Pleasanton in 1972, where they raised their family and became active members of the community.
A proud U.S. Infantry Marine and Vietnam Veteran, Gene was trained in Guerrilla Warfare and earned the Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, along with Expert Badges in pistol and rifle. Gene lived a life marked by dedication, service, and community. He worked for more than 30 years as a Union Iron Worker with San Francisco Local 377—climbing to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge and helping to shape the Bay Area.
Gene’s love of sports and mentorship shone through his 25 years of coaching with the Pleasanton Girls Soccer Association. He also served as a Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 948, Pleasanton Little League coach and spent many years playing goalie with the Pleasanton adult league soccer team, the Pacemakers.
Beyond his professional and family life, Gene was an active member of the Pleasanton Lyons Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), where he continued to exemplify camaraderie, service, and pride in his country.
Gene was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and grandfather—known affectionately as “Papa” and “Big Papa.” He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Fran; his children, Matthew Walls (Juliana), Michael Walls, and Sara Campbell (Dion); and his cherished grandchildren Angelique, Bailee, Austin, Cody, Eugene William, and Rylee, as well as great-granddaughter Eva.
Fran and Gene loved their adventures across the United States, and you could always find Papa Gene at dance recitals, school performances, and sporting events supporting his grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving siblings Lori and Chris, along with many nieces and nephews whose lives he deeply touched.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister Mary. Gene will be remembered for his humor, generosity, and unwavering commitment to family, friends, and community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He had a passion for music and as one of his favorites sang, “I did it my way” and he did.
Oct. 28, 2025
