Gene Paul Ritch, 76, of Conroe, Texas passed away October 30, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Gene Paul was born November 6, 1940 in Smith County, Texas to Clifford Onts Ritch and Ozella Hugghins Ritch
Gene Paul was the Valedictorian of Troup High School's Class of 1959. He attended the University of Houston on a football scholarship and was a lifelong Cougar football supporter. In 1961, while attending college, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy Ellis. After graduating college, he worked for 2 years as a teacher and coach for Reagan and Waltrip High School's in Houston. He especially liked coaching their track and football teams. After teaching, Gene Paul began his career with Texas Transportation Institute and spent 39 years working there in various positions. During those years he and Judy raised a family with their two sons, Gene Gavin and Mark Ellis. He enjoyed coaching his sons in various sports, playing golf, traveling and shopping at the local thrift stores.
Gene Paul started volunteering for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1980 and was a founding member of the Rodeo Express Committee. He dedicated 20 years to the rodeo, making many friends while helping his community. Gene Paul will be remembered and missed by many for his wickedly dry sense of humor, his razor sharp intelligence and his devotion to his wife and family.
Gene Paul was preceded in death by his beloved “first” wife Judy, his parents, and his brothers, Harlan and Jerry. He is survived by his sons, Gene Gavin and his wife Dawn; Mark and his wife Kristi; his grandchildren, Matt, Gavin, Jason, Jacob and Drew Ritch; his sister, Billie Faye Newton; his half-brother and spouse, Benny and Kim Ritch; and half-sister, Sylvia Ponder.
Funeral services will be held at Metcalf Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm. Memorials in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or by mail at 6055 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77087-1005.
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