Gene Frederick Evers

Gene was born in Schleswig, Iowa in 1932, the 3rd son of John & Malinda Evers. In the late 1930s, he began tap lessons and joined the Shirley Temple dance craze. With his mom as piano accompanist, they traveled a circuit of tap competitions. He participated in all sports and music at the public school. After high school, he was a walk-on for Morningside College’s football team and was coached that year by the famous George

Allen who gave him the nickname “Hoot.” He then earned a scholarship and played all 4 years; a big achievement for a small-town, 6-man player. Hoot graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1954. In 1955, he was one of the last to be drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Gene met his future wife, Sally Ebel, while at Morningside, and in May of 2025, they celebrated their 70th Anniversary. Together they were long-time members of Resurrection Lutheran in Spring and Immanuel Lutheran in Temple. After a career In Cincinnati and Houston with the Kroger Co. as a store operations executive, the couple moved to Temple to be close to family. In retirement, Grandpa Hoot enjoyed playing bridge and golf and was an avid reader and gardener.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, brother Everett, and son Richard. He is survived by his wife (Sally), his children Linda Restivo (Michael), David Evers, and Catherine Foreman (Byron) along with grandchildren Michael, Lerah, Nicholas, Samuel, and great-grandchildren Evan and Luca.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.