Eugene Francis Pinkerton
Marriages
Glennis Adkins Pinkerton Gray
Dorothy Swisher Singer - 1954
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 3C - February 20, 2011
Eugene Francis Pinkerton passed
away on Tuesday, February 15 in
Grand Junction, his home for
more than 50 years. He was born
31 August 1921 in Humboldt,
Kansas to Jonathan D. "Dewey"
Pinkerton and Bessie Pearl Files
Pinkerton. Like many families of
that era, his father followed work
opportunities in Kansas, Texas,
Oklahoma and New Mexico, finally settling in Cedaredge, Colorado
as a well driller. Eugene attended grade school there and
graduated from Cedaredge High School.
He enlisted in the Colorado National Guard in 1938 at the age of
17. In 1940 he was called into active Army service, training in
Texas and on the east coast before being stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
He served in New Guinea and the Philippines until his discharge
in December 1945.
He found work as a coal miner in Utah when he first returned from
the service, then worked in the oil and gas fields of New Mexico.
He later entered into his true vocation as a road builder. For over
more than 30 years he was involved in many significant projects in
Colorado, Arizona and Utah. He was a member of Operating Engineers
Local #9, retiring as a paving foreman in 1983.
Eugene was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1247.
In October, 2010 he traveled to Washington D.C. at the invitation of
the Western Slope Honor Flight Association. His visit to the WWII,
Korean and Viet Nam war memorials was a memorable and moving
experience for him.
He was involved in a number of organizations relating to his varied
skills and interests. As an active member of the Museum of
Western Colorado, he participated in the building of the blacksmith
shop at Cross Orchards, and was an honorary life member of the
Grand Valley Blacksmith Guild. He and his wife, Dorothy, were
honored for their years of service to the historical site. His passion
for restoring antique cars, equipment and guns led him to early
membership in the Veterans Motor Car Club of America and
Wheels West Car Club; the Antique Power Association; Colorado
State Muzzleloaders Association, and life membership in Grand
Mesa Muzzleloaders.
Eugene and Dorothy Swisher Singer were married in 1954 at
Glenwood Springs. They raised two sons, Jewell Singer and Alan
Pinkerton. Dorothy was homemaker and gardener extraordinaire,
and took great joy in raising two sons; growing an incredible variety
of flowers, fruits, and vegetables; collecting dolls and antiques;
and playing the slot machines in Mesquite, Nevada. She cared for
many friends and family members in need, and never failed to lend a
hand without waiting to being asked. Dorothy was a laboratory
technician for the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1950's, and a
riveter for Boeing Aircraft during World War II. She also worked in
fabric retailing during her homemaking years.
Eugene and Dorothy also raised two beloved dachshund companions,
both named Heidi.
Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Merl,
James, and Lloyd Pinkerton; and his wife, Dorothy. His is survived
by his sisters, Wilma Harrington and Viola Foltz; his sons, Jewell
and Alan, and grandchildren, Natalie and Stephen Pinkerton.
He is also survived by three children from his first marriage to
Glennis Adkins Pinkerton Gray, Roberta (Dave) Guthert of Bay
City, OR, and their children, Peter, Kimberly, Carole, Faith,
Jonathan and Jennifer; Jerold E. (Jane) Gray of Centennial, CO, and
their children, Heather, Elizabeth and Katie; and Jonathan D. "Skip"
Gray of Juneau, AK; 19 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren,
and eight nieces and nephews.
The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, February 22 at Callahan-Edfast
Mortuary. There will be a viewing at 10:00 in the morning, followed
by a memorial service at 11:00. The interment ceremony with
military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial
Cemetery.
