Eugene Mario Uruchurtu

Eugene Mario Uruchurtu was born on April 7, 1935, to Albert and Alice Uruchurtu in Los Angeles, California. He was an only child and spent his early years living in downtown Los Angeles. His family eventually moved to Exeter, where he attended Wilson School and Exeter Union High School. Gene, as he was known to family and friends, enjoyed singing, acting, playing football and basketball, and participating in track during his teenage years. Gene, "The Storyteller," would tell you that he ran the fastest 50-yard dash in his class. He also spent summers working various jobs in packing houses and doing other odd jobs. He would tell stories of going to San Luis, Arizona, with his parents and how he helped his Tío Juan with his shrimp business at the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, which he always referred to as "El Golfo”. Gene's strong work ethic and ability to persevere through the hard times of the 1930s, '40s, and '50s shaped his character, revealing a kind, passionate, and resilient man who would influence many people throughout his life.

Eugene graduated from Exeter Union High School in 1954, attended College of the Sequoias, and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958. While stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, he performed various military duties and served as a military policeman during his two-year tour of duty. He married his wife, Virginia, during his time in the service, and they started their family in November 1959. In 1960, he moved back to Exeter, where they raised five children. Eugene worked at the Exeter Foundry, Foremost, and a family pallet business in Cutler before beginning his 30-year career with Pirelli Armstrong Tire Company in Hanford. He retired in 1994.

Eugene was a hardworking family man who was determined to instill positive values in his children. He had high expectations and great ambitions for them and wanted to provide them with a good life. To do so, he worked swing shifts, graveyard shifts, and overtime whenever necessary. He always encouraged his children to "dream big," reminding them that anything could be accomplished with the right mindset.

Eugene's faith in Christ spanned many years of his life. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church for a time, where he served as a prominent member of the choir. He was well known for his beautiful singing voice and continued using his gift throughout his life to bless others and share the name of Jesus. Eugene's singing ministry at Sacred Heart eventually came to an end, and in the early 1990s he began attending Lindsay Church of God. He joined the praise team and grew even closer to the Holy Spirit. He served in the music ministry for several decades and sang with a conviction that blessed others and drew them closer to God. Eugene loved the Lord and continued to faithfully sing at Exeter Living Waters Tabernacle until his final days. Furthermore, his walk with God extended far beyond the music ministry, as every aspect of his life reflected that of a born-again Christian. His life was centered on Christ, and he regularly witnessed to others, sharing the message of salvation. He never met a stranger. His prayer life can best be described by the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing." It didn't matter where he was—at home, in church, in the car, in his work shed, or at one of his grandchildren's games—there was always a song in his heart and a prayer on his lips. He was truly a friend of God.

On June 30, 2026, Eugene stepped from this life into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He left behind a legacy of hard work, strong family values, and unwavering faith in the Lord. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Alice Uruchurtu; his wife, Virginia Uruchurtu; and his son, Carey Uruchurtu. He is survived by his four children: daughter Theresa Flynn (Rick), daughter Melissa Uruchurtu, son Jeff Uruchurtu (Debbie), and daughter Christy Banuelos (Julio); 17 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at Exeter Living Waters Tabernacle (formerly Exeter United Methodist Church), 148 North D Street, Exeter, California.

Funeral services will be held at Exeter Living Waters Tabernacle at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16. Immediately following the funeral, graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Exeter Cemetery.

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