Eugene Cavanaugh

Eugene Charles Cavanaugh -- beloved husband, father, punster and all-around inspirational human being -- died peacefully at his Austin home on Dec. 21, 2012. His loving wife, Shirley, daughters Rebecca and Karen, son-in-law Randy and Shirley's son, Steve, were at his side.

Gene's life was an astounding journey. Kindness, fun and a genuine optimism defined his life. Everything he did reflected an integrity and warm-heartedness. He joked and reminisced with loved ones until his final day.

Gene was born on May 17, 1930, to Charles and Clara Cavanaugh in Atwater, Ohio. Gene's father had emigrated from Lithuania in 1908 and started a landscaping business in Akron, Ohio. Gene's older brother Dan was his lifelong best friend. As a child Gene discovered his love of fun and whimsy. He grew up in a household filled with old movies, musicals, plays and jokes. Through this he discovered the beauty of language, writing and word play.

Gene majored in Chemistry at Hiram College, but also tried his hand at acting, writing and poetry. During his college years, he found his passion for acting in live theater. He performed on the Showboat Majestic, the last traveling showboat in the country.

After college, he moved to Houston, Texas, where he met the first love of his life, Dorothy Sterling. Gene knew immediately she was the girl for him. He proposed to her after only one month, but the marriage ceremony had to wait until Gene underwent surgery for a congenital heart condition. Gene was one of the first cardiac patients to have this type of surgery, performed by the renowned Dr. Denton Cooley, in 1956. After the successful operation and recuperation, Gene and Dorothy were married on Sept. 15, 1956.

They settled into happy married life, while Gene got his master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Houston. In 1957 their son Charles Lee was born. After that came Karen Lynn in 1959 and Sue Ellen in 1962. In 1964 the family moved to California, where Gene worked at C F Braun & Co. That same year, Rebecca Ann (Becky) was born.

Gene showered his family with love and attention. His family was the most important thing in his life without exception. They enjoyed many happy years in California, among a diverse and eclectic group of neighbors and friends. Gene continued his pursuit of theater arts there, collaborating with college friends on the musical "The Three-a-Day", a comedy tribute to Vaudeville.