Marshal Gene (Pete) Oxner

Marshal Gene (Pete) Oxner, age 73 of Austin, Texas passed away at his home on January 22, 2023, in the company of his companion of 30 years, Lois Kantor. His death was unexpected, and although his family and friends are grieving, they are comforted that he did not suffer.

Pete was born July 10, 1949 in Lexa, Arkansas to Jonas W. and Jessie Oxner. Pete was one of 11 children who grew up in Rondo, Arkansas and graduated from T.A. Futrall High School, in Marianna, Arkansas. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force in 1968. During this time, he married Vandra Oxner with whom he had two sons. Pete served in the USAF with distinction, retiring after 21 years of service. Military honors included the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak-Leaf Cluster and the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars. After retiring from the military, Pete earned a college degree and began a career in Public Health working for Texas Health and Human Services. He started in San Antonio and then moved to Austin, Texas.

Pete spent the rest of his life in Austin working in public health, traveling, and pursuing his passion in woodworking. After retiring from public health, he dedicated himself to becoming an accomplished woodworker. He was an active member of the Austin Woodworking Club, where he shared his joy with others. He made many people happy, family, friends, and countless others, with objects of his own creation which he generously gifted or sold. He was always learning, and always sharing his knowledge and skills with younger woodworkers. He also loved traveling to explore the beauty of nature, with a special interest in trees. Pete combined his commitment to making the world a better place with his love of traveling. In 2017, he volunteered with International Medical Relief and went to Brazil, where he worked for 2 weeks providing medical access to people living in small communities along the Amazon River. He is preceded in death by both his father, Jonas W. and mother, Jessie Oxner; siblings Norris Oxner, Carl Oxner, Connie Francis (Turley), George Oxner, Mary Jane Swan and Randy Oxner.

Survivors include his loving companion, Lois Kantor; his two sons, Ryan Oxner and his wife Cathy of San Antonio and Aaron Oxner and his wife, Rachel of Grand Prairie; his grandson Declan and granddaughter Hannah; siblings Sue Hislip, Jimmy Jakson, Ricky Oxner, and Betty Joe McClendon.

Viewing will be held February 24, 2023, at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, Texas from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. Graveside service with military honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Forest Foundation (https://www.nationalforests.org/), honoring Pete’s love of nature and trees. For every dollar donated a tree will be planted in Pete’s honor.