John Eugene "Gene" Brocker

Published in Appeal Democrat on April 13, 2010

John Eugene "Gene" Brocker 89, of Marysville, CA, passed away April 9, 2010 at The Fountains in Yuba City, CA.

Born March 2, 1921 in Leward, TX. A Yuba-Sutter resident since 1923. He was the co-owner of the Eagle Nest Restaurant & Bar for 30 years.

The family moved to the Hammonton Gold Fields in 1923. Gene graduated from Marysville High School. In his senior year, he was class president when he was drafted by the New York Yankees.

He served in World War II as a Master Sergent at Camp Roberts as an instructor. At wars end he resumed his baseball career with the Salt Lake City Bees then with the San Francisco Seals and in 1949, he was part of the first U.S. Baseball team to visit Japan.

Gene was a local businessman. He enjoyed golf at the Peach Tree Golf & Country Club and was a member of Ducks Unlimited and a life member of the California Waterfoul Association.

Gene was inducted into the Northern California Sports Hall of Fame in 1972.

Survivors include Marlene Brocker of Yuba City, CA; son Kent Brocker of Nicolaus, CA; daughter Brenda Wood of Prescott, AZ; grandchildren: Gregg Phillips, Matthew Brocker and Haley Brocker; and nephew Jim Brocker of Marysville, CA.

He is preceded in death by a son Howard Neil Brocker; brothers Joseph, James, and Ray Brocker, and a sister Dorothy Marie Mills.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 11AM at Lipp and Sullivan Chapel Marysville, with Father Godwin Xavier from St. Joseph's Catholic Church officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to Marysville High School Athletic Department, 12 East 18th St., Marysville, CA 95901. Send Condolences at www.appealdemocrat.com