Gene was born February 4, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. It was there that he met and married his high school sweetheart, Bernadine, on May 30, 1949. Together they raised a family of five boys and one girl.
His early experience in the optometry business led he and his partner to start Royal Optical in 1971; and through hard work and dedication, they built it into a highly successful business before selling it in 1990.
Gene was predeceased by his beloved Bernadine, and two sons, Robert and Todd. His memories live on through his four surviving children (Mark, Dean, Scott & Nancy), thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great- grandchildren. They filled his final weeks with love, joy and laughter. Gene’s life of 93 years was truly enriched by his cherished friends and his very large extended family. His greatest accomplishment is his legacy, where his memory will live on.
A memorial service for the family will be held graveside at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home on Friday, November 26, 2021, at 10:00 am. In lieu of sending flowers, please make donations to:
The J.A.M.I.E. Group P.O. Box 4396, Austin, TX, 78765
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Schanbaum family.
