It is with full and loving hearts that we share the passing of Gene Richard Sweeney, 86, of Houston, Texas, on February 25, 2026. Born on March 2, 1939, in New Albin, Iowa, Gene grew up along the Mississippi River which shaped the values he carried with him throughout his life. He served in ROTC during high school and after graduation, also served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve. Gene received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Iowa and married Barbara Ann Lunsford in 1963. Married for 59 years they had four children and seven grandchildren. Gene continued to follow his commitment to learning, earning a Master’s in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois. His career took the family from Iowa to California, then to Illinois, and finally to Texas in 1981. Gene contributed his expertise to companies including California Electric Power Company, Illinois Power Company, Aramco, Enron, and Stone & Webster. Even after retiring, he continued to share his knowledge through contract work both in the U.S. and abroad. No matter where life took him, Gene’s heart was never far from his hometown of Lansing, Iowa. He cherished his time on the Mississippi River, fishing with family and friends, reconnecting with the place that grounded him throughout his life. He was preceded in death by wife Barbara Ann (Lunsford) Sweeney (9/6/1938 - 12/27/22) his parents; Vivian (Babe) Lorraine (Krzbietke) Sweeney (3/31/1918 - 2/27/2012), John (Jack) Claire Sweeney (7/8/1914 - 9/17/2002) and his sister Mary who died in infancy. Gene is survived by his sister; Faye Munchoff, children; Carrie Annette Halvachs, Catherine Jean Hinton, Steven Patrick and wife Cathy Rene (Liles) Sweeney, Kimberly Cannon Host, and grandchildren; Shannon Sweeney, Heather Hinton, Cameron Host, Olivia Hinton, Jack Sweeney, Camille Host, and Collin Host. Visitation will be held at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Rd, Conroe, Texas, 77303 on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM to receive family and friends. Service to follow at 2:00 PM and interment immediately after in Garden Park Cemetery.
