Orville E."Gene" Carlyle, 82, a longtime Sunnyside resident and businessman, went to be in the arms of his heavenly Father on Friday, March 5, 2010, surrounded by his loving family.
Gene was born Sept. 22, 1927 in Winona, to Otis and Lillian (Black) Carlyle.
The family moved to Sunnyside, when Gene was three years old.
Gene received his education in Sunnyside, graduating with the class of 1946. He attended Perry Tech, where he received certification as an electrician. Gene began his career with Kingman Electric before purchasing Empire Electric in 1964. He worked in the field for more than 60 years retiring at the age of 81.
He had a reputation for honesty, reliable workmanship and had developed many long lasting friendships as a result.
Gene married Betty Looney on Oct. 29, 1949 in Sunnyside. They lived in Sunnyside for 49 years, raising their four daughters. They moved to Prosser in 1998, returning to Sunnyside in 2006. In 1975, Gene purchased and operated the first Radio Shack franchise in the Valley.
His hobbies included bowling, golfing, painting landscapes and playing the organ.
One of his proudest moments was when he received his pilot license. He celebrated his 80th birthday with a hot air balloon ride.
Serving the Sunnyside community was an honor for Gene. He was a Scout Master, served on the Sunnyside School Board for eight years, was a long-time member of the Pioneer Picnic Committee, a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Sunnyside Float Committee. He was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church, serving on many committees. He recently became a member of the Sunnyside Presbyterian Church.
He was the recipient of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce "Outstanding Senior Citizen" award in 2006.
Gene was very proud of his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed the opportunity to support their efforts in sporting events and concerts.
He and Betty especially enjoyed taking the grandkids on trips to places like, New York, Washington D. C., Rose Bowl games and California. They spent many summers camping at Rimrock Lake.
Gene is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Patty Carlyle, Karen Womach, Cindy (Pete) Marquez and Jan (Darrel) Cook, all of Sunnyside; grandchildren, Brad (Charis) Tucker of Federal Way, Jennifer (Val) Sanchez, of Sunnyside, Nicole Marquez of Renton, Amy (Jason) Green of West Seattle, Lance Womach of Seattle, Brynn Tucker of Sunnyside, Rory Womach of Grandview, Erika Marquez and Pete Marquez, both of Seattle and Zachary Marquez of Sunnyside; great-grandchildren, Genevieve, Lillian, Violet and Dean Robert Tucker of Federal Way, Jalyna Garcia and Devan Sanchez, both of Sunnyside; one brother, Roger Carlyle of Puyallup; one sister, Madeline Pearce of Anchorage, Alaska, his mother-in-law, Dorothy Looney of Sunnyside; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Jack Carlyle.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Valley Hospice or the Sunnyside Presbyterian Church Foundation.
Visitation will be held Friday March 12, 2010, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 am at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside.
A memorial service will be held Saturday March 13, 2010, at 11 am at Sunnyside Presbyterian Church.
Those wishing to sign Gene's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com.
Smith Funeral Home and Crematory in Sunnyside is in charge of arrangements.
