Eugene Jerome Heinemann

Gene grew up on the family ranch in Harper, which nurtured his love of the land. He graduated from Harper High School in 1961 and entered Texas A&M University as the first in his family to attend college. He was a member of Company D-1 (“Spider D”) in the Corps of Cadets, graduating in 1965 with a B.S. in Range Management.

Following his commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and two years of active military service, Gene returned to Texas and began his career with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. In the 1970s he moved to Austin, where he worked with several surveying and engineering firms, primarily in subdivision layout design. In 1988 he began service with the Texas Department of Transportation in Georgetown, where his work was focused on bridge design. Health issues caused him to retire in 2006.

During his active years, Gene relished every opportunity to be outdoors, finding great pleasure in enhancing his knowledge and love of Texas native grasses and wildflowers. He spent many weekends photographing native plants and collecting seeds. As beautification chairman of his neighborhood association, he spearheaded the planting of live oaks and other trees along major subdivision streets, as well as a wildflower area in the neighborhood park. In the 1990s he discovered a group of fellow prairie advocates in the Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT), which he served as president for two terms.

Gene was predeceased by his parents and his older brother Sidney. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sherron Eberle Heinemann, and his daughter Sarah Elizabeth Heinemann of Garland. Also surviving are his siblings and their families: Emma (and Dan) Krenek of Manchaca, Roy (and Betsy) Heinemann of Hempstead, Leo (and Elaine) Heinemann of Cuero, Mary (and Buzz) Roye of Fredericksburg, and Linda Heinemann of Houston.

No Austin services are planned. Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, at Schaetter Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. For those wishing to make a memorial donation, the family suggests Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759.