Eugene Painter served on the USS Arizona from 1933 to 1937. He was assigned to the 44th Division #4 turret and #2 catapult. He played ship's baseball and football.
Eugene recalls the ship in a hurricane. He said in 1936, off Cape Hatteras, the Arizona plunged headlong into a hurricane trying to locate survivors of a ship called Morro Castle that was reported in trouble. After it was over he said everything topside was stripped from the ship or demolished. The boats on the boatdeck were smashed beyond salvage.
When World War II began, he enlisted in CB's and was in North Africa, then "Thank God for Harry Truman. I was scheduled for invasion of Japan." Eugene says he is 85 years old and if he and his wife are up to it health-wise they might make the next reunion (Dec 1999, Tucson, AZ). Eugene remembers that when Pearl Harbor was opened the Arizona was one of the first ships to enter, and he was so glead to see san Pedro. Especially after the hurricane. He related that was the "goldarndest mess you ever saw. Nobody but the U.S. Navy would undertake a cruise through a hurricane."
ObituaryEugene R. "Gene" Painter Sr.
Funeral services for Eugene R. "Gene" Painter Sr., 90, of Chardon, will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, in Chester Township.
Mr. Painter died June 10, 2005, at Blossom Hill Nursing Home in Huntsburg Township.
Born Aug. 27, 1914, in Chester Township, he had lived there before moving to Chardon 15 years ago.He was a U.S. Navy Seabee veteran, serving during World War II. He served on the Board of Directors for the 1st National Bank of Burton, West Geauga School Board for 12 years, and the Chester Township Zoning Board of Appeals for 14 years. He was also a life member of American Legion Post 459 in Burton, a member of V.F.W. Post 6519 in Chardon, and charter member and past president of the Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club, accomplishing perfect attendance for 30 years.
Mr. Painter owned and operated R. H. Painter & Son Construction until 1968, when he became a dairy farmer. Later, he became a real estate appraiser for the 1st National Bank of Burton for 28 years. He also sold real estate, specializing in farm properties.
Survivors are his wife, Alice (McEachern); children, Deborah (John) Bodnar of Madison and Eugene Robert "Bob" (Nora) Jr., of Munson Township; grandchildren, Ilona (Carl) Whelpley, Tisha (Mark) Somich, Erin (Mark) Pianko and Daniel Painter; great-grandchildren, Samantha and Cole Whelpley; and sister, Florence Braun.
His grandson, Matthew Painter; sister, Wyllo Field; and brothers, Howard and Fredrick Painter, are deceased.
Friends may call one hour prior to the services Wednesday at the funeral home. The Rev. Lud Golz will officiate the services. Inurnment will be in Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chester Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Burton American Legion Post 459, P.O. Box 261, Burton 44021, or Chardon V.F.W. Post 6519, 752 Water St., Chardon 44024.
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