Horace Gene Counselman

Horace Gene Counselman, age 78, peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday June 2, 2026 in St. Joseph Hospice, Gulfport, MS after a brief struggle with cancer.Gene was born in Mobile, AL on December 17, 1947 and lived most of his life in Saraland.He was preceded in death by his father Horace Wade Counselman, Jr., his mother Mary Marie Shewmake Whisenhunt, his brothers Charles Alvin and Douglas Counselman, and his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 55 years, Cathy Cleckler Counselman.Gene, lovingly known to all as Poppy, is survived by his children Dana Schof (Douglas) of Metairie, LA and Cory Counselman (Kellie) of Pass Christian, MS; grandchildren Katie Duda (Christopher) of Baton Rouge, LA, Cody Counselman of Harahan, LA, Kristin Stephens (Matthew) of St. Rose LA, Caleb Counselman of Long Beach, MS, Douglas Schof, Jr of Metairie, LA, Dominic Schof of Youngsville, LA and Caden Counselman of Peachtree City, GA; great grandchildren Emerson Duda, Amelia Duda and Sadie Duda of Baton Rouge, LA and Anthony Stephens of St. Rose, LA; brother Michael Counselman (Lynn) of Grand Bay, AL; many nieces and nephews.After graduating from Satsuma High School, he served in the US Army 173rd Airborne Brigade, nicknamed Sky Soldiers (Tien Bien) by the Nationalist Chinese paratroopers, in Vietnam before settling down and raising a family. Gene enjoyed a long career at Scott Paper Company (Kimberly Clark), eventually retiring to enjoy life as a grandparent in Saraland.Poppy found immense joy in spending time with his family, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and extensive travel including many reunions of the 173rd Airborne Brigade “Sky Soldiers”.A celebration of life will take place at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 9700 Celeste Road, Saraland, AL on Saturday June 13, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10am. A prayer service will be held in the chapel at Noon followed by burial with military honors in Forest Lawn Cemetery.Our family would like to extend sincere thanks to all nurses and staff members at St. Joseph Hospice for the love and support shown to Gene and our family during his brief stay. Dad went to eternal rest at complete peace and pain free after completing his earthly farewell to all of his family and many of his friends. While we miss him so much we take comfort in knowing that Mom and Dad are reunited in paradise.In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Wounded Warriors Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or any other organization benefitting veterans, especially those struggling with PTSD.