Raymond Eugene Satterfield
Raymond Eugene "Gene" Satterfield passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2014 in Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, Calif. He was born May 21, 1930, the fifth of six children of Walter Raymond and Nellie Satterfield. Born in Alton, Illinois, he spent most of his childhood and young adult life in Du Quoin, Ill.
In November of 1950, he began his 54-year marriage to the love of his life, Velma Reidelberger. In 1959, they moved to Merced, Calif. with their two children, Terrie and Steven. Gene worked with his brother, Walter, in the vending business.
Gene was known for his mechanical abilities. There wasn't much he couldn't take apart and repair. He was an old car buff, specializing in restorations of cars in the 1920's and 30's. Gene never met you without having a new joke to tell. He and his wife were avid RVer's for many years.
Gene is survived by his daughter- Terrie (John) Rohrer, son- Steven (D.J) Satterfield, granddaughters- Jeana (Bill) Gossett and Rebekah (Tim) Wiebelhaus, grandson- Michael (Kate) Satterfield. He leaves three awesome great-grandsons- Ethan Ruggles, W. Hunter Gossett and Andric Wiebelhaus. He is survived by his brother- Walter Satterfield of Merced, Calif., sisters- Louise Galloway, Ruby Brock and Juanita Porter, all of Du Quoin, Illinois. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law- Zeb Davis of Merced, Calif., Erma Erwin of Tamaroa, Ill. and Pat Reidelberger of Pinckneyville, Ill. Gene was fortunate to have had a close relationship with many nieces and nephews who were all important to him. Special times were spent with niece Julie Davis Strand (Pete) and family and nephew John (Miriam) Satterfield and family. He and his family are especially appreciative to his neighbors and friends, who were so kind and supportive.
Gene was preceded by his wife- Velma, his parents- Walter R. and Nellie Satterfield, brother- Robert Satterfield, niece- Laura Satterfield and nephew- J.W. Erwin.
A celebration of Gene's life was held at the Atwater Baptist Church, 2124 First St., Atwater, CA 95301 on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Steven Satterfield.
Remembrances may be sent to McSwain Education Foundation, 926 N. Scott Road, Merced, CA 95341.