Gene Albert Land

December 21, 1937 - June 25, 2026

Gene Albert Land, devoted husband, father, grandfather, business leader, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 88.

Born on December 21, 1937, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Gene was the son of Gene L. Land and Evelyn M. Land. He graduated as a proud member of the first graduating class of Northwest Classen High School in 1956 before eventually earning a degree in Business Management from Oklahoma City University.

Following high school, Gene honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1960. During his military service, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, an experience that helped shape his lifelong sense of discipline, leadership, and service.

In 1964, Gene began what would become a remarkable 50-year career with Universal Field Services. Through decades of dedication and visionary leadership, he rose to serve as both President and Chairman of the Board. Under his guidance, Universal Field Services grew into one of the nation's premier right-of-way consulting firms. He retired in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, and lasting friendships.

Gene was equally respected throughout the right-of-way industry. An active member of the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), he devoted countless hours to advancing the profession and mentoring future leaders. Throughout his distinguished service, Gene held all seven elected offices on the Association's Executive Board, culminating in his term as International President. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Gene received the IRWA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, an honor bestowed only twice in the Association's history.

While Gene was proud of his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy was always his family. He is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife, Jane Moore Land. Together they built a life centered on love, adventure, and unwavering support for one another.

He is also survived by his daughter, Dana Whitmarsh and her husband David; his son, Turner Land and his wife Lisa; and his son, Matthew Land and his wife Katie. Gene was a proud grandfather to Stewart Whitmarsh, Madison Whitmarsh, Makenzie Land, Nina Land, and Daphne Land, and proud great-grandfather to Maleigha Whitmarsh, each of whom brought him immeasurable pride and happiness.

Gene believed deeply in investing in young people. He spent many rewarding years as a Boy Scout leader, including accompanying his troop on an unforgettable expedition to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He also treasured his time spent coaching his son Matt in soccer, baseball, and basketball, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Gene found great joy outdoors, whether on hunting trips with business partners and lifelong friends or fishing adventures in Mexico. Among his most cherished memories were the many trips he and Jane made to New York City to cheer on their son Matt during his college basketball career at Columbia University.

Retirement opened the door to new opportunities for service and adventure. Gene volunteered with the American Red Cross, delivering life-saving blood products to hospitals throughout northeast Oklahoma. He also served as a docent at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, sharing his appreciation for Oklahoma's natural beauty with countless visitors.

Gene and Jane enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Scandinavia, Alaska, and Hawaii, embracing every opportunity to explore the world. They also treasured countless peaceful days at their vacation home on Grand Lake. Yet nothing compared to the joy Gene found in family vacations with his children and grandchildren, especially their annual trips to Park City, Utah, Breckenridge, Colorado, and Vail, Colorado. Those vacations created treasured memories that will remain with his family forever.

Gene will be remembered as a humble leader, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a trusted mentor, and a man whose kindness, integrity, and generosity touched countless lives. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so profoundly, the profession he helped shape, and the many people who were privileged to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Folds of Honor, an organization dedicated to providing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America's fallen and disabled service members.

A Celebration of Life to honor and remember Gene will be held at a later date. We look forward to gathering with family and friends to share memories, laughter, and love. Details will be shared once arrangements have been finalized.