Gene Allen Wheelis

Gene Allen Wheelis, of Katy, Texas, was taken home to be with our heavenly father on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. His two year battle with brain cancer was fought as only Gene could do it; using his stubbornness to hold it at bay and his sense of humor to keep everyone around him smiling. When he was unable to battle no more he was allowed to leave this world peacefully, surrounded by his wife, sons, family and friends.

Gene was born on August 24, 1968 in San Antonio, Texas. During his educational years he attended Jessup Elementary School, South Houston Intermediate and Dobie High School. Once out of high school Gene attended The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. In 1991 Gene began his career as a Merchant Marine in the SIU as a Deck Hand, but quickly found his passion working in the Engine department. During his 22 year career in the Merchant Marines Gene travel the world over working as an Engine cadet, Wiper, Oiler and QMED.

In 1992 Gene married Debra Hanrahan, their love created two amazing young men, Tyler and Ryan. Even though they divorced in 2005, the two were never far apart and in 2012 their love for each other was stronger than ever so they remarried to recomplete their family.

Gene was a unique soul, ever the life of the party. He enjoyed having get-togethers and socializing with family and friends. He was helpful to anyone who needed it, whether it was a broken down car or a broken down house, he found time to help. To say Gene will be deeply missed is an understatement.

Gene was preceded in death by his father and mother, Billy Wheelis and Shirley Irvin as well as his brothers, Terry, Roger, Pete and his sister Sissy. Gene is survived by his wife, two sons, brothers, Vince and Mike (Rhonda) Chuter, as well as nieces, Ember and Jordyn, and nephews, Vince (Anna), Dallas and AJ. A memorial service has been organized by Katy Funeral Home and will be held at the Katy Funeral Home (23350 Kingsland Blvd, KATY, TX 77494) on February 21, 2015 from 4:00pm-6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the Chuter and Hanrahan families have established a Memorial fund to aid Gene’s family. Donations can be made at YouCaring.com by searching for "Wheelis Family Legacy” or using the web address: http://www.youcaring.com/search.aspx?keywords=Gene+Wheelis

God saw you getting tired

And the cure was not to be.

So He put his arms around him

and whispered, “Come with Me.”

With tearful hearts

we watched him fade away.

Although we loved him dearly,

we could not make him stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

hardworking hands to rest.

God broke our hearts to prove

to us, He only takes the best