Gene, or “Daddy Gene” as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly called him, was born in Houston, Texas to Luther and Jewel Partain. He was big brother to sister, DeAnna, and brother, Bill.
As a child and teenager, he loved dogs, cars, sports, playing his trombone in the marching band and singing in the Lindale chorus. Attending the University of Houston to study business, Gene earned a Bachelor’s Degree in 1955.
Gene married Joan, the love of his life, in 1954 and the couple was married for almost 70 years. He was a faithful and active supporter of Joan’s 51-year career in Christian education. Gene was totally devoted to their two daughters, Roxi and Lisa; fully supporting them in all their activities and endeavors.
He worked as a Purchasing Agent for 33 years; first, for Cactus Oil in Houston, which became Permian Oil in Midland, Texas, which ultimately was acquired by Occidental Petroleum, moving the family back to Houston.
From his youth, Gene was a faithful member of the church of Christ. He served as a Deacon for the Golf Course Road and North A & Tennessee congregations in Midland for nine years. Later, he was an Elder for 32 years for Sharpstown, which became the Sugar Grove congregation in Houston.
He was a devoted Bible scholar, talented bass singer, avid coin collector, a big fan of cars (even restoring multiple Edsels!) and a huge supporter of the Houston Colt 45’s, later the Houston Astros.
Gene was the consummate gentleman and “gentle man,” loyal to his friends and employers, stubborn in standing up for what was right, tenacious in overcoming his disability (having contracted polio as a child), a Godly and quiet example to people around him and an unassuming help to many people in need. He loved his family with all his heart and it showed on his face every time he saw his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gene is survived by his wife, Joan; his daughters Roxi Crews and husband, Mark, of Searcy, Arkansas; Lisa Jennings and husband, James, of North Richland Hills, Texas; sister, DeAnna Graves, of Spring, Texas; grandchildren Meagan, Lauren, Kylie, Scott, Carter and Jonathan; twelve great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gene’s Celebration of Life will be held at Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel, 6001 Rufe Snow Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76148 on May 20, 2023. There will be a Visitation with family at 12:00 PM followed by the Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM. His burial will take place that same day following the service at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, Texas 76034.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Gene’s friends consider a gift to the Harding University General Scholarship Fund in his memory. Harding University Advancement, 915 E. Market Ave, Box 12238, Searcy, AR 72149. Or online: www.harding.edu/give/givenow
