Gene Paul Allen

March 4, 1938 – June 24, 2025

Gene Paul Allen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas. He was 87 years old.

Born on March 4, 1938, in Houston, Texas, Gene was the son of William Paul and Johnnie Kathleen Allen. He grew up in Lufkin alongside his sister, Edna, where he developed the quiet strength, steady curiosity and perhaps, a little streak of mischief, that would define his life. After graduating high school, Gene went on to earn a business degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, a milestone that launched a 32-year career with Exxon, where he retired as a Senior Sales Manager. He also proudly served a brief term in the U.S. Army Reserves.

But for those who really knew Gene, he was best described as "a car guy". Gene was, at heart, a craftsman and a thinker. His lifelong love of cars and passion for “tinkering” meant he was rarely far from his shop—coffee in hand, smile on his face—working on a woodworking project, sketching a new idea, or building a car from the ground up. He had a gift for fixing just about anything and was always ready with practical advice and a calm, steady presence. He was the kind of man you could depend on regardless of the situation—wise, warm, and endlessly capable.

Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Becky Allen; his two daughters, Elizabeth and Rebecca; his sister and brother-in-law, Edna and Pat Markham; and his cherished granddaughter, Milla. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, each one holding a special place in his heart. However, his legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the things he built, and the love he gave so generously.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held on July 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX. In his honor, guests are encouraged to wear their best “old guy/ car attire"—because Gene wouldn’t have had it any other way.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Antonio Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, two causes that we close to his heart.