Gene Pemberton

Gene was born October 27, 1939 in Cameron, Texas to E. M. Pemberton and Aleyne Humble Pemberton. He passed away on January 27, 2019.

After graduating from Temple High School and Temple Junior College, he earned a B.B.A. in Business Administration from Hardin-Simmons University in 1962.

Gene went to work for American Desk Manufacturing Company later that same year. He served in various capacities including Vice President of Marketing, as well as, Director of Special Projects.

For 23 years, Gene was a member of the Southwest Basketball Officials Association. In 1984, the Association awarded him a lifetime membership.

He was well known as the color commentator for KTEM Radio on Temple Wildcat Broadcast for a period of 28 years. In 1992, he and his partner, Mark McLain, received the Associated Press Award for best sports play-by-play in their class in Texas. In November 1993, they won the Katie Award presented by the Dallas Press Club as the best sports play-by-play in Texas markets outside the 4 major cities.

Gene was a past president of the Temple Kiwanis Club and a Legion of Honor member. He was a member of Bethel Assembly of God Church where he served as deacon for many years.

After 31 years with American Desk, Gene began a new career with the Houston Astros. He served as Director of Community Development before becoming the first full-time chaplain in Major League Baseball.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Holick Pemberton and his parents.

He is survived by son Gary Pemberton and wife Susan of Temple, son Allen and wife Lisa of Woodway, Texas, and daughter Lisa Daun of Temple, brother Stanton Pemberton and his wife JoAnn of Temple, and sister Cheryl Mallory and husband Bob of Mineola, Texas. He is also survived by grandsons Brandon, Andrew, and Jeffrey, as well as, granddaughters Elisabeth and Emalye.

Gene will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Ralph Wilson Youth Club or Bethel Assembly of God.

Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.