Gene Olbert Jr.

Francis Gene Olbert, Jr. passed away on December 28, 2025, in Edmond, Oklahoma. He was 70 years old. Gene was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma on October 3, 1955, to Francis and Marjorie Olbert. He graduated from Edmond High School in 1974 and from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1978.

Gene was a talented multi-sport athlete in junior high and high school and ended up playing football at the University of Central Oklahoma. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and counseling, and subsequently a master’s degree in education from UCO. Gene was very passionate about teaching and enjoyed a long career teaching, coaching and mentoring high school students in Bethany, Oklahoma City, Alva and Enid. He also developed his own high school history curriculum which many school districts in Oklahoma adopted. Gene enjoyed coaching a variety of sports but mainly high school football. In addition to teaching and coaching, Gene wrote two books on psychological theory and therapy which were a source of comfort and inspiration to many. He attended World Harvest Church in Enid and was a former youth minister at First Baptist Church of Alva. He frequently read and studied the Bible.

Gene married the love of his life, Cynthia, on March 13, 1993, and they enjoyed 33 wonderful years together. He was a devoted father to sons Robert (Bob) and Ryan O’Neal. Gene was always the family chef and enjoyed hosting friends and family over for the regular cookout on the back patio or pasta night around the dining room table. He also enjoyed driving to the family farm weekly with his dad, family gatherings, and spending precious time with his granddaughters who loved their “Grandpa Gene.”

Gene will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, selflessness, warm heart and genuine concern for others. He enjoyed his family, music and card games. In retirement, Gene derived great meaning and satisfaction in putting his psychology background to use to counsel individuals including men transitioning out of the criminal justice system.

Gene is survived by his wife Cynthia, sons Bob (wife Lexie) and Ryan, granddaughters Emery and Eloise; son Trey Woodside (wife Christa) and their children Calah, Eric, Olivia, and Timothy; his parents Marjorie and Francis Olbert; brother Mark Olbert and nephews Taylor, Cale and Cameron Olbert, as well as numerous other family, friends and former students who loved him dearly.

Earlier in his life, Gene enjoyed teaching disco dancing at the YMCA and continued to do so to his high school history classes as they wrapped up the year. His family is comforted by the knowledge that he is dancing in heaven while we mourn him here on earth.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Transition Sober Ministry at Hope Outreach in Enid, OK. Donations can be made at hopeoutreach.org.

A visitation will be held on January 4, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Baggerley Funeral Home, located at 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034.

A celebration of life will take place on January 5, 2026, starting at 10:00 am at the same location.