Legendary Trucker Gene England of C.R. England Dies

Gene England (center) was still serving the company as its chairman emeritus at the time of his passing at age 105. (C.R. England)

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Gene England, a trucking industry legend, World War II veteran and beloved family man, died at the age of 105, C.R. England announced Nov. 14.

From an early age, he worked with his brother, Bill, and father, Chester (C.R.), to build the privately owned company, headquartered in Salt Lake City, into a robust customer- and employee-focused firm with a proud tradition of safely moving freight since 1920.

Gene was still serving the company as its chairman emeritus at the time of his passing. He was born Oct. 24, 1919, in Plain City, Utah. In 1940, he married the love of his life, June. Soon afterward, he served in World War II and became a battlefield hero who earned a Bronze Star during action in Okinawa. During the war, Gene and Bill earned money by selling their cigarette rations, which they gave to their father for the family trucking business. After the war, both sons mostly transported potatoes from Utah and Idaho to California.

“His love for trucking and dedication to C.R. England were second only to his devotion to his faith and family,” the company stated. “As a transportation industry icon, he was one of the original truckers, driving millions of miles throughout his life while leading the company with his brother, sons and grandchildren. Despite his many responsibilities in the office, Gene had a passion to get behind the wheel and get the work done as a professional driver.”

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Gene England in the World War II years. (England family photo)

C.R. England ranks No. 42 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America. 

Throughout his life, Gene championed drivers and the trucking industry.

“He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, hard work, and a deep commitment to those who keep our country moving. Gene England’s passing is a great loss to the C.R. England family and the trucking industry at large. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the company he built,” the company noted.

A memorial service is expected to be held later. Details will be forthcoming. “In the meantime,” C.R. England stated, “the best way to honor his memory is to pay it forward by thanking a truck driver for their service to our country and communities.”

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