Gene Roussell

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gene Roussell, a beloved resident of Houston, Texas, who departed this world on December 14, 2024, at the age of 101. Gene's life was a remarkable journey filled with love, dedication, and service to his country and community.

Gene was born on January 3, 1923, in Morse, Louisiana, and was raised in Crowley, Louisiana. He was the son of Abner Roussell and Eve Menard Roussell. Gene had five siblings: Robert John Roussell, Louise Hanks Suire, Beulah Thibodeaux, Ella McCelland, and Oliva Langdon. He graduated from Crowley High School in 1940.

Following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, Gene and a friend hitchhiked to Lake Charles to join the Navy. He was accepted and joined the Navy on December 16, 1941, in New Orleans. Gene served aboard the U.S.S. Preble in the Pacific as a Radioman 3rd Class for two years. In early 1944, he was transferred to the V-12 program as an officer candidate at Rice Institute. After two semesters, the V-12 program was abolished at Rice, and he was transferred to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. In early 1945, the V-12 program was completely abolished, and all personnel were transferred to the NRTC program at the University of Texas. The war ended in 1945, and Gene qualified for discharge from the Navy, which he accepted on November 19, 1945.

Upon discharge, Gene worked for Robert H. Ray Geophysical Company in Houston. He was assigned to a crew operating out of Morgan City, Louisiana, where he met his future wife, Henrietta Goulas. After a two-year contract in Venezuela from June 1946 to June 1948, Gene and Henrietta were married on September 5, 1948, while still employed by Robert H. Ray. They moved to various places, including Silsbee, TX, Modesto, CA, Paso Robles, CA, and finally Plentywood, Montana. By the fall of 1949, they settled in Houston.

Gene returned to the University of Houston and received his BBA degree in January 1952. During the latter part of 1951, he began working for Quintana Petroleum Corp, where he remained until his retirement at age 65 as a Senior Landman in 1989.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings, and his wife of 63 years, Henrietta. He is survived by his five children: Linda Fowler, Pamela Peaco, Jeanne Self and her husband Bob, Johnny Roussell and his partner Susan Whisner, and Betty Dauzat and her husband Earl. Gene also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

Gene's memory will continue to inspire and guide us. We invite all who knew him to leave a sympathy message on the memorial page of Gene Roussell to pay their last tribute and share in the celebration of his remarkable life.

Rest in peace, Gene. Your spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved you.

Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Waltrip Funeral DIrectors, 1415 Campbell Road, Houston, Texas 77055. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday at Waltrip Funeral Directors. The Committal service will follow in Memorial Oaks Cemetery.