Gene was born in Dallas, TX on November 22, 1958 to Eugene and Dolores Schaefers.
After graduating from Bishop Lynch High School in 1977, Gene attended University of Dallas and Texas A&M University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1981.
Gene then moved to Pampa, TX in 1981 to begin his career in industrial hygiene with Celanese Chemical Company. It was there in the Texas panhandle that he met the love of his life, Sandi Britten, through a church singles’ group mixed league softball team in 1982. The two married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Amarillo, TX on May 5, 1984. After beginning a family, they moved to Charlotte, NC, for a short time before returning to Texas to settle in Mesquite where they have lived for the past 31 years.
Service to Catholic education was at the heart of Gene’s volunteer work; at his daughters’ grade school, St. Philip the Apostle, he served in senior positions on the Parish Finance Council, School Parents Association, and School Advisory Council and coached soccer, basketball, and softball teams; at his alma mater Bishop Lynch High School he served as President on the Band Boosters Organization and Alumni Association. Bishop Lynch also honored Gene as Alumni of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
Gene had many opportunities to travel the world through his work including Mexico, Japan, Germany, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, and uncles.
Gene is survived by his wife Sandi of 39 years; three daughters: Jenny and husband Mark Ohl of Dallas, TX, Jessica and husband Derek Cabone of Shirley, MA, and Allyson of Plano, TX; three siblings: Steve and wife Noel of Lewisville, TX, Barbara and husband Max Mondragon of Sachse, TX, and Anne and husband Ken Foster of Rowlett, TX.
A visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Friday, December 29, 2023 at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home (10501 Garland Rd. Dallas, TX 75218) with a rosary being said at 7pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10am on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church (8131 Military Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75227). Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery (3900 Rowlett Rd, Rowlett, TX 75088) following the mass celebration.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Orphan Kitten Club (donate.orphankittenclub.org) to carry on Gene’s lifelong love of cats.
