Eugene Lauron Orlanes

Eugene Lauron Orlanes, died September 26, 2015 from a heart attack at the age of 45.

He was born September 14, 1970 in Salinas, CA.

Gene, as he was known by family and friends, proudly served as a member of the U.S. Navy for 7 years and attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He worked for Carquest, both in the warehouse and as a CDL truck driver, delivering car parts to Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and Missourri.

Gene had an incredible skill with all things mechanical. He had a passion for riding motorcycles and took that love of riding onto the track. He raced his Yamaha R1 sport bike at many trackday events across the country. His young, short-lived life ended while attending a trackday, doing what he loved to do. Gene will be remembered and widely missed. He was a gentle giant who had a strong presence, constant smile, incredible humor and lively manner. He was driven to live life to its fullest and he put every effort into excelling at whatever he did.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jane, and his two children, Christine and John. He has two sisters, Michelle Williamson and Connie Bumatay, and a large loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mernaseras (Lauron) and Anthony Orlanes.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 2, 2015 from 5 to 7 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. A private burial will occur at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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