Gene LaForge

Herman Eugene (Gene) LaForge, Ed.D., passed away at home in Sugar Land, Texas on August 20, 2020. He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Billie Ann, and son, Mark, both of Sugar Land, Texas.

Dr. LaForge was born in Oak Grove, La. and moved to Shreveport, La. as a child. He was on a state championship track team at Byrd High School in Shreveport, graduating in 1960. He received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education in 1964 and 1965 from Northwestern State College, Natchitoches, La. His first job in 1965 was as a teacher and coach at Pineville Junior High School, Pineville, La. Dr. LaForge moved to Houston, Texas in 1967 where he began teaching at Aldine ISD and entered the University of Houston Graduate School. He received a Doctorate of Education in Administration and Supervision in 1972.

Prior to graduation, he was made an elementary principal in 1968 at age twenty-six in Aldine ISD. Thereafter, he was Alief High School Associate Principal, Houston; Bammel Elementary Principal, Wells Middle School Principal and Spring High School Associate Principal in Spring ISD, Houston; and Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston Graduate School for several years.

He retired in 1997 from public schools and worked for the Texas Education Agency traveling all over Texas for five years evaluating school districts for compliance with Texas and Federal laws. Gene took such pride in being able to visit every corner of Texas. He was then a successful, self-employed education consultant for several years in the Houston area aiding school districts with their state evaluations.

Gene loved to play golf all of his life starting as a caddy at age sixteen at the Shreveport Country Club. He was an excellent player into his mid-seventies, winning many tournaments over the years at Houston area country clubs where he was a member. He loved music and taught himself to play the guitar and sing. He was an ardent sports fan, particularly of the Houston Astros, and had extensive knowledge about sports history. He loved to travel and see the world, which he did with Billie Ann and Mark, particularly after his final retirement, over the last fifteen years.

Gene was an extraordinarily kind, thoughtful person with a great wit and easy going manner. Friends loved being around him as he was always in a good mood and fun. He was a great husband and father and loved having a family of his own. He accomplished so much in his life on his own and with the help of a few mentors. He is missed and loved beyond belief.