Eugene Lauron Orlanes
September 26, 2015
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.
Renee Hunget
10/01/2015
Jane, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your children at this difficult time.
Pam and Mike Morrison
10/01/2015
Gene was a kind gentle soul who was always smiling with a twinkle in his eye. We loved spending time with Gene and Jane and will miss Gene and his enthusiasm for life and the love he had for his family. Our hearts go out to Jane, Christine, and John on their loss and we grieve with them.
Jayne Beecham
09/30/2015
Jane, Words can't express the sorrow I feel for you and your family. Gene is an amazing person. I always enjoyed seeing him with you attending your children's events and supporting them through word and action. He was always kind and quick to smile. He will be greatly missed.
David Valentine
09/30/2015
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Gene was a guy who was always there for anyone and could always cheer you up if you were down, make you laugh when you were mad. One of the greatest guys I have ever met. I'll see you again someday my friend.
Dustin Atkinson
09/30/2015
My deepest and sincerest condolences to Jane and the rest of the family. Gene was an amazing man who will always be remembered as the nicest and most helpful man I knew. He was passionate and accelerated at everything he ever tried. He will never be forgotten.
Kay Jack
09/30/2015
My deepest condolences to Jane and and the kids. Gene was one of the nicest people that I ever rode with, and I always appreciated how nice him and Jane were to me! Hold on to all the great memories!
Matt Deutsch
09/30/2015
On behalf of the entire Hydro-Klean organization, I am deeply saddened by the news of Gene's passing. He was a popular member of our team, and the world has truly lost a great individual. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Orlanes family and friends during this difficult time.
Ed Stefan
09/30/2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I greatly enjoyed training in Tae Kwon Do with Gene. He will be remembered as an absolutely super guy with a love and zeal for his family and life that few will ever know.