Gene graduated from South Park High School in 1949 and married his high school sweetheart and next door neighbor Barbara L. Perry in 1951. They made their home together in Beaumont, where they raised their two sons, Gene, Jr. and Steve.
Gene was a Korean War Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. After returning to Beaumont. He attended Lamar State College and graduated in 1963 with a B.S. in Business Administration. He also attended the IBEW-NECA Electrical Apprenticeship School and became an Instructor for over 20 years and a member of L.U. 479.
In 1969 he and two partners, Elray Wilson and Wallace Domingue opened Gold Crest Electric Company and remained in business for over 50 years. Gene was a member of South Park Baptist Church and the last remaining Deacon. He was a member of the South Park Lions Club, and a former commissioner with the Port of Beaumont and a bank director for Lamar Bank. He was very involved with land developing and rental properties. Gene loved gospel music and especially singing with his wife Barbara, playing the piano. That was their favorite time together. He was devoted to his church, his wife and family. He was a father, grandfather, great grandfather and a South Park Greenie. Because of his love for South Park and as a Greenie he furnished the building that currently houses the South Park High School Heritage Museum.
Gene was a loving and very generous man that gave of himself to anyone who needed help. He would provide jobs, transportation and places to live, all in the hope of turning their lives around.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara of nearly 70 years and his brother Ray.
He is survived by his two sons, Gene Jr. and his wife Kathy, Steve and his wife Kimberly; three grandchildren, Hayley, Misty and James; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas with a visitation from 1 - 2 PM followed by the service at 2:00 PM.
A very special thanks to Maryann Mastrangelo and his caregivers Mina, Kimberly, Lourdis, and Petchie who remained with him till his passing. The love and kindness of these ladies are greatly appreciated.
The service will be live streamed via Facebook on the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Facebook page.
