Eugene Harvey Martin

Eugene (Gene) Harvey Martin passed away at age 85 on April 4, 2024, due to complications of oral cancer. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on February 21, 1939, the eldest child of Elwood & Lena Kate Martin.

In 1957 he graduated from Byrd High School and then went on to graduate from Louisiana Tech with a Bachelors in Petroleum Engineering in June 1962.

In 1960, he was coaxed by his college roommate to go on a blind date, at which time he met his future wife, Shirley Taylor, who he discovered he had a lot in common with. Shortly after he graduated from Louisiana Tech, they were married. The wedding took place in Shreveport at Queensboro Baptist Church on August 7, 1962. They were truly soul-mates, went through many ups and downs together, and at the time of her death they had been married for 57 years.

In 1968, Gene's career with Western Geophysical transferred the family, which now included daughters Karen (born in 1963) and Natalie (born in 1967), to Houston, Texas, where in 1971 their third daughter, Heather was born.

Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing and target shooting, Together, he and Shirley loved traveling, gardening, reading, and 50's music, as well as shopping in antique stores and watching football games and documentaries. They also loved family reunions and lavished love on their family and friends.

Gene is survived by his daughter Karen Chalfant, his son-in law Kelly Chalfant, his brother Steve Martin, his niece Laura Gamboa and her family, his grandchildren Brett Miller, Shanon Chalfant, Jessie Crain, Jake Crain, Loretta Crain, Deena Crain and seven great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was his wife Shirley, his parents Elwood and Lena Kate Martin, his in-laws Porter and Mava Taylor and his daughters, Natalie Martin Natal and Heather Martin Crain.

The family is very grateful to all the doctors who cared for him over the years with his heart problems and other health issues, and for the warm, caring professionals at MD Anderson. A special thank you to his brother, Steve, for his invaluable and loving care and help and to Faith Assisted Living during his last weeks with us.

Gene had a warm, caring, thoughtful personality and will be greatly missed by many but is now at his new address in heaven, where we will thankfully someday see him and Shirley again.