Eugene Holbrook

Gene was born August 20, 1928 in Elliott County, Kentucky to Albert and Emma DeBord Holbrook. He was the eldest of nine children raised on a farm and taught good work ethics. He loved his home state of Kentucky and watched the derby each year so that he would hear My Old Kentucky Home. Very patriotic, he joined the Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict for five years.

On August 2, 1952, he married Ruby A. Blevins. They settled in Mansfield and Gene worked for Westinghouse for 45 years staying until they closed the doors. Not one to sit idle, he quickly found a job at WalMart and then ended his career at Sam s Club after twelve years.

A devout Christian, Gene gave his heart to the Lord in his late twenties. One of his greatest pleasures spanning 30 years was teaching Sunday School beginning with the teenagers and ending with the adults. He was a member of the Stewart Road Church of God.

He loved his family dearly. They spent many vacations on the beaches of Ft Myers and Myrtle Beach. He enjoyed going deep sea fishing, swimming in the ocean and walking along the beach. In later years, he and Ruby enjoyed visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall. He also enjoyed bluegrass festivals.

He loved all sports and was a Madison Booster for many years in the 70 s. As his grandsons came along, he was their biggest fan, always showing love and support at their baseball, soccer and basketball games. Until his health began to deteriorate, he enjoyed going to Ontario basketball games. He loved action packed movies, old westerns and watching Cleveland Indians baseball.

Leaving behind to treasure these many great memories, are his wife of 57 years, Ruby A. Blevins Holbrook; his daughter and son-in-law, Patricia Robert Browning; two grandsons, Kevin A. Browning and his fiance Lisa Solliday and Michael A. Browning. Plus the most recent joy in his life, his great grandson Avery Michael Browning. Also surviving are brother, Rev. Jimmie Betty Holbrook; sisters, Thelma May, Jewell Rose, and Lynette Bell, all of Alliance; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.

A celebration of Gene s life will be held Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Stewart Road Church of God. Services will be conducted by Dallas Waggle. Calling hours will be observed one hour prior to the service. Military services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran s Burial Detail will be held at the church. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stewart Rd. Church of God, Salvation Army, or a charity of the donor s choice.

Just three weeks earlier, as he rocked his sleeping great grandson, he said one life ending and one just beginning . We ll miss you, Dad. You will forever be in our hearts. You were the greatest!