Eugene S Rader

He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Margaret (Peggy) Ann (Baird) Rader, his oldest daughter Marilyn Dana (Rader) Johnson, his son Mark Dale Rader, his youngest daughter Martha Denise (Rader) Steele, his son-in-law Micky Steele, five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Grandchildren are as follows: Alyssa (Johnson)Trimble, Levi Johnson, Michael Steele, Kate Steele, Matthew Steele, grandson-in-law Kyle Trimble, and great-granddaughter Ryleigh Grace Trimble, now 3 years old.

Gene was born in Marion, North Carolina, on June 3, 1936. His parents were Alvin and Clyde (Stepp) Rader. Gene had two brothers and two sisters. He was the fourth of the five children. His siblings, Jeanette, Alvin, Jimmy, and Lynda, all passed before him.

Gene was a paperboy at a very young age. He, along with the other paperboys, would wait at the Marion Train Station every morning for the newspapers to come in from Charlotte. On many occasions, Gene reminisced to his wife and children about the day the steam engine was replaced by a diesel. The conductor invited the paperboys onboard to have a look at the new train.

Around Gene’s senior year, he worked at his uncle’s gas station. After graduating from Marion High School in June of 1956, he attended Diesel Mechanical School in Nashville.

Gene then served in the United States Air Force from February 1958 to June 1962 as a Heavy Duty Mechanic. He served one year in Greenland, then spent three years at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth. He met his beautiful wife Peggy while serving in the military. Peggy was studying at Texas Woman’s University to become a registered nurse. They were married in the campus chapel on July 1, 1961.

After the Air Force, Gene worked as a diesel mechanic, first for Cummins and then for the Coca-Cola Company. He retired from Coca-Cola after over 20 years of service. He was a hardworking, loyal employee, and received numerous recognitions from Coca Cola for job performance.

After retiring from Coca Cola, Gene proudly worked part-time as a Special Needs Bus Driver for Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District. He had a big heart for the Special Needs Children and his co-workers. Gene was truly saddened when he had to retire due to illness on October 03, 2018.

Aside from working, Gene was a longtime NASCAR fan. When Texas Motor Speedway opened in Fort Worth in 1997, he was proud to be among the first to buy a lifetime membership for their prestigious Speedway Club. His and Peggy’s names are on the wall at the club entrance. As a member, he (along with his family and friends) attended several champagne dinners after races in which the winning driver would come out and speak. He was a fan of Dale Earnhardt, Tony Stewart, and Ernie Irvan.

Gene and Peggy Rader have been members of Houston’s First Baptist Church for many years. There, they have enjoyed worshipping their Lord along with their fellow church members and Sunday School class.

A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Houston’s First Baptist Church. (The Loop Campus) The address is 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024.

Gene’s remains will be laid to rest at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Houston National Cemetery. The address is 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77038.

Dad, we will never forget your funny stories and your sense of humor. In many conversations, you would recall country songs and quote the lyrics. Whenever a family quarrel was about to begin you would calmly tell us, “ It’s time to pull out the boxing gloves.” At the table, we enjoyed reminiscing with you about the good ole days. You told us stories about working in a garden, milking the cows, and chasing a chicken for dinner. You were the best example of a hard-working man with a kind, humble heart. We will all miss you so much.