Meet Gene Okuma

Edwin “Gene” Okuma has come to live with us at Caring House. We’re honored.

Gene was born in Lawai Stables #17 on Kauai, and is one of seven children born to Jira and Tsuru Okuma. His parents had immigrated to Kauai from Okinawa, Japan.

Gene moved with his family to Oahu. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Oahu. After the Marines, Gene became a successful stock car racer.

He married Ethel and together they had two children (Russ and Debbie) and four grandchildren. After Ethel and Gene divorced, Gene moved to California and lived mainly in the Gardena area. He worked at California State University Los Angeles for more than thirty years in the maintenance department.

Alice and Gene were partners for more than twenty years before her death, and Gene remains close to her sons (Jon and Don) and their wives and children. Gene and Shigeko, now partners for more than ten years, met each other at a bowling alley.

Gene loves going to the casino, and since coming to Caring House has already made four casino trips (near and far) with family.

We’re glad that Gene is with us at Caring House. He’s a charming fun-loving man and his support from extended family is impressive.

In Memoriam

Gene died on January 27, 2017. Honor him. Remember him.