Eugene Leroy Ames III

Gene was a true Texan, a man of integrity, loyalty, and abiding faith. He greatly loved his family, his many friends, South Texas, the Texas Hill Country, the Guajillo Ranch, Jackson Hole, cooking, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, the Oil & Gas industry, geology, and the Texas Longhorns.

Gene was born to Ellen and Eugene Ames, Jr. in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Alamo Heights High School, The University of Texas, and Trinity University where he received a Bachelor of Science in both Business Administration and Geology. He returned to UT Austin for Graduate Geology studies. Gene loved his college days at Texas, Phi Gamma Delta, and the Silver Spurs. At Trinity, he pursued his true passion of geology enriched by his close friendships with his professors and geology field trips.

Gene met his wife, Logan, at the University of Texas and they shared a wonderful life together. Gene was a devoted, strong, steady and supportive father to his sons, Corwin and Asa, who were his pride and joy. He shared his great passions of cooking, music, hunting, fishing, camping in Big Bend, exploring Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, and his favorite place, his house on Lake Marble Falls. Gene was a naturally gifted host of family gatherings and weekends with friends at the lake. All times full of laughter, fun, sunset cruises, and Gene’s famous meals.

Gene was passionate about both his community in San Antonio and his profession as a Petroleum Geologist, selflessly giving his time and talents to both. In his beloved San Antonio, he was an elected Director of the Edwards Underground Water District from 1992–1995, committed to the mission of preserving the Edwards Underground Aquifer. He served on the Board and as President of both the San Antonio Public Library Foundation and Respite Care of San Antonio. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church where he served as an usher for many years and as a Sunday school teacher when his boys were young. Gene enjoyed mentoring others, as well as participating in many political campaigns.

Gene was a member and President of the Order of the Alamo, as well as a member of The Texas Cavaliers serving in the Cavalier Navy for many years driving Fiesta floats. He was also a member of the San Antonio German Club, the San Antonio Country Club, Club Giraud, and The Petroleum Club.

Gene established, owned, and operated Ames Energy Advisors and established partnerships of Bissell Operating, and Compadre Resources. Gene began his lifelong career as a Petroleum Geologist with Sandia Oil and Gas and Venus Exploration where he acted as Vice President of Exploration & Operations. He managed The Nordan Trust for several years.

Gene served from 1998 until the end of his career on the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council in numerous leadership positions including Chairman of the National Board of Directors and the Texas Region Producers Advisory Group. Additionally, he was appointed by the U.S. Department of Energy to the Unconventional Resources Technical Advisory Committee. He served on the board and as President of the South Texas Geological Society. Gene was a member and held numerous leadership positions in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, Texas Oil & Gas Association, and was appointed by Texas Governor George W. Bush to serve on the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission.

Gene is survived by his wife, Logan Browning Ames, his sons, Corwin Young Ames and Asa Eugene Ames, and their wives, Abbey and Brooke, respectively, his three precious grandchildren Reagan, Beau, and Evie Ames, his parents Ellen and Gene Ames, his brothers, John Ames (Sara) and Stephen Ames (Muffin), his sister Elizabeth Coleman (Jack), his many nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom he dearly loved, and all of Logan’s family whom he loved as his own. Many lives have been forever enriched by Gene.

Logan, Corwin, and Asa would like to thank his beloved cousin Ellen Hill and his precious niece Emma Grace, along with Sara Ames, Joey Satel, Scott Sledge, Bill Sawtelle, and all of the dedicated friends and family who loved and prayed for Gene and our family. Gene fought the good fight with strength, courage, and grace.

The family would also like to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to Kumbah Tursy, Patti Zapata, and Martha Medina for caring for Gene.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM, Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212.

Honorary Pallbearers: Joey Satel, Scott Sledge, Robert Hatter, Bill Sawtelle, David Clay, Rick Cavender, John Sheesley, Bruce Hill, Christopher Browning, Richard Butler, Shaw Butler, Rusty Schram, Steve McAllister and Troy Jessee.

Donations may be made to the San Antonio Library Foundation, https://www.saplf.org/donate-now/, Christ Episcopal Church, https://www.cecsa.org/ , or any charity of your choice.

You may watch the livestreaming of Gene's service from this link: https://www.cecsa.org/live-stream.