Eugene John Small

Sergeant Small served in the 44th Company of the Coastal Artillery Corps. A 1st Class Gunner, he served in France during World War I.

Eugene John "Jack" Small was born in Bladen, Ohio on December 20, 1884, and died on  May 11, 1956.  He grew up in a small town along the banks of the river.  He joined the Army and was an infantryman in WWI and fought in France. He told a colorful story of how an Army pilot talked him into flying in a By Plane and promised to be careful. Instead he did barrel rolls and flips.  He never trusted him again.  The Army was his first career.  While stationed at the Presido in San Francisco, he met the love of his life, Edna Hawkins, who was working in the office of the Mark Hopkins Hotel.  They married in Auburn, California.  Jack retired from the Army and they moved to Los Angeles, where he became a Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff.   They purchased a home on Robinson Street and Robert "Bob" and Donald "Don" were born. Later they purchased an Apartment building on Carol Drive in West Hollywood.   During WWII, Jack also worked as a civil patrol officer.  His son Don, assisted on many patrols as son Bob had joined the Army.  He had to retire from the Sheriff department due to health problems.  Due to the shortage of workers during WWII, he and his wife did baking for the Cock 'n Bull Restaurant on Sunset Blvd.  Jack made cakes and Edna made pies.  He loved playing cards.  Many Sundays were spent with family and friends enjoying dinner and card games.  He enjoyed his time with Bob and wife Bernie and children, Gene, Judy and Debbie, and with Don when he returned home from Korea and married Mary Jo.  Unfortunately, Jack died before his other grandchildren were born.

Jack was a farmer prior to joining the Army April 19, 1905  at 20 Years old.  Served until Jan 20, 1919.  He was a lst class Gunner and retired as a 1st Sgt.  Went to France on 12/14/17 arrived 12/27/17  Left on 12/31/18 arrived USA on 1/12/19  Was stationed at Ft. McDowell, California.

Edna worked at St. Francis Hotel in SF.  She was a bookkeeper.