Eugene Southworth

Eugene M. (Gene) Southworth, 75, longtime resident of Waterwood,Texas passed away November 21st in Houston, Texas due to advanced lung disease. Mr. Southworth was a retired U.S. Army first sergeant and a veteran of five tours of duty in Vietnam.

Gene was born October 29, 1938 in Yuba City, CA. He enlisted in the California National Guard in 1954 and subsequently joined the Army in 1955. He served tours in Korea, Europe and various commands in the United States during the course of a 22 year career which ended with retirement in 1976. During his service he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 12 bronze service stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Bronze Star medal among other citations.

After retirement, Mr. Southworth settled in central California and worked several jobs including a stint with Apple Computers. He raised two sons with his wife Xuan. The couple divorced in 1989. In 2001 he moved to Texas to assist his terminally ill sister and brother-in-law, the late Margi and David Carey of Waterwood. Mrs. Carey passed away in 2003 and after Mr. Carey’s death in 2005, Gene stayed on to assist his nephew in settling the Careys’ estate. In recent years he had battled lung cancer and COPD.

Mr. Southworth is survived by his sons, Daniel and Michael Southworth, daughter-in-law Jennifer Southworth, grandchildren Nikaya, Hanna, Isaiah and Elijah Southworth and nephew Craig Hammons, all of California. He is additionally survived by Texas residents nephew Marc Hinchey, grand-niece Brianna Hinchey, great grand-nephew Aiden Stockton and niece Patricia Mason.

No memorial service is planned. Donations in his memory may be sent to the Hearts Veterans Museum of Texas, 463 State Highway 75 North, Huntsville, TX 77320, (936) 295-5959.