Gene was born April 22, 1927, to William E. Stryker and Emma Beulah Davis. He passed away peacefully in his sleep March 18th. 2025 at Samaritan Hospice House due to age related issues in the town he spent his entire life.

He grew up with an older brother Edwin and a younger brother Donald near the Willamette River. One story told of the three was that they would swim out to log rafts that were being towed down river, ride them then dive in and swim to shore when they were nearing home.

Like his father and brothers, Gene served in the United States Army. He served from June 1945 to November 1946 training with the 349th Engineers at Fort Lewis. Fortunately, while preparing to deploy to Europe, WWII was declared over by Sept 1945.

He met his forever life companion, Annie Louise Brunson in Albany and were married in April 1951. The marriage would last 67 years until Annie's passing in September of 2018.

Their union produced three boys, David, Dennis and Gary.

Gene was of the generation raised with an incredible work ethic. He held several jobs as a family provider settling in as a City of Albany employee in the Public Works Sector for nearly thirty-nine years.

Gene loved family, relatives & friends enjoying many camping trips in the Santiam canyons in the earlier years. In retirement Gene & Annie enjoyed traveling far and wide with their RV club the Willamette Sams.

Gene is survived by his sons Dennis and Gary. Son David predeceased him in 1974. Nephew Alan Stryker of Marcola. Sisters in law Joyce Isenhart (Albany) & Janice Gupton (Albany) who he loved to tease. Brother in laws Bruce Brunson (Woodland WA), Bob Brunson (Millersburg) and many nieces & nephews on Annies side.

Gene was an honorable and peaceful man who will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial to honor both Gene & Annie will be announced at a later time.