Gene Hoherz

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 13 from 6-8 PM at Riley Funeral Home, Hamilton, TX. Burial will be held at Bethel Cemetery in Ireland, TX.

Gene was born February 20, 1944 in Hamilton, TX to Louie and Elveeta Hoherz. Raised on the family farm, he learned the values of hard work and the promise of a man’s word. On the farm, they raised sheep and other animals, as well as growing crops and vegetable gardens. Throughout his life, Gene would continue farming, passing along his knowledge and values to his children and grandchildren.

Gene began elementary school in Ireland and graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1962. Shortly thereafter, he served his country in the United States Army for 2 years. Afterward, he returned to his home in the Ireland community and began his career at the Texas Department of Transportation, where he worked for 30 years. On a blind date, set up by his friend, Richard Hill, Gene met the love of his life. He married Brenda Bates in 1973 and they lived happily for 43 years together.

To his family, Gene was called “Daddy” and “Papa.” His face lit up to see his grandchildren and he loved to tell others all about them. When the kids were little, Papa would sweep them up into his arms to dance them around the room. He adored his grandchildren and they adored him. Papa valued family dinners, eating Ganna’s home cooked meals. His favorite chocolate pie appeared for frequently.

Papa enjoyed hunting and fishing, all things about history, and studying maps. If Papa knew you were going on a trip, he could pinpoint mileage and the amount of time it should take to get there almost instantly. He was an avid reader, often having trouble finding books he hadn’t already read. He read Dave Campbell’s Texas Football guide every year and could tell you stats about 6 man football all over the state. He loved attending Jonesboro football games, particularly the ones his grandsons played in, and could talk about them for hours.

Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Brenda Bates Hoherz; their 3 children, Jodi Jackson and husband, Les of Jonesboro, Richard Hoherz of Virginia Beach, VA, and Elke Robinson and husband, Jason of Christoval, TX; 6 beautiful grandchildren, Lacey (Tristan), Lariat (Lauren), Luke, Veda, Brooklyn, and Kennedy; 1 great-grandson Ayden; brother, Elwood Hoherz; 2 sisters, Carol Jackson and Gloria (Rick) Stephens; many nieces and nephews, special friends of the family and his beloved church family.

Preceding Gene in death is his parents, Louie and Elveeta Hoherz.

Thank you to all who have supported the family through his long illness, Papa battled bravely through to the end, expressing his love and appreciation for those who have been there to help, give comfort, and shown unbelievable acts of compassion.