OBITUARY
“In The fulness of time a life’s journey ends but love once shared continues to live. And beyond this day, that love prevails”
Gene’s life journey ended October 21, 2025, and in the blink of an eye, he began his new life with his Savior Jesus.
Born December 23, 1927, in Colton, OK to William and Lula Bell Gladden, when Gene was 4-years old his family moved to Kilgore, Texas, where he lived until after his high school graduation. He had excelled in his grades, and was an avid baseball player, playing 3rd base.
May 1948, he moved to Odessa, Texas, and began a 40-year career in the oilfields, including 36 years with Getty Oil co., 4 years with Texaco, and then Chevron.
During the years he worked, he never lost a day of work due to an accident on the job.
On May 11, 1951, he married Frances Liles in Wellman, Texas, and they were married 74 years, with two children, Dana and Wendell.
In 1969 he was transferred to Monahans, Tx and retired December 1, 1988, as a production and drilling foreman.
After his retirement he became more active in his church and the community.
In Monahans, working on the Church Kitchen Committee, he DECLARED to anyone and everyone that nobody could make mashed potatoes as good as his co-worker, Maxine Rowan, and himself. He always said the secret was “the butter.”
He delivered meals to the elderly, drove cancer patients to Midland and Odessa for their treatments, and helped Baptist Men Builders repair and upgrade churches in various areas of Texas.
Gene loved to read and study the Bible until his eyesight no longer allowed him to.
Gene always thought playing golf was “crazy, crazy,” but decided to try it, and bought a cheap set of clubs teaching himself to play on a three-hole course at Pyote, Texas.
He came to really like the game, and in the years he played he had three (3) holes-in-one.
In 1993, he and Frances moved to San Angelo, where he continued to stay active, working around the church, and delivering meals to the elderly.
Gene’s life journey was hard work. Loving and serving his Lord, he also loved his family so very much, and he loved his country.
He gave God all the credit for his many years of a good life. He was a member at Glen Meadows Baptist Church
Preceding him in death was his son Wendell, his parents, one sister and three brothers. He is survived by his wife Frances and daughter, Dana Gray (Larry); grand kids, Shaun, Amy, and Misty; four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter
To the Gentiva Hospice team, Dr. Owens, Myra, Sam, Brandy, Jaclyn, Clint, Janet, you are the very best. Your compassion and care are appreciated beyond words. God Bless you now and as you serve others. To the Open-Door Sunday School Class at Glen Meadows Baptist Church, your prayers, calls and cards means so much.
Instead of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.
“Sing oh sing of my Redeemer, with his blood he purchased me, On the cross He sealed my pardon, Paid the debt and made me free.”
— From Harper Funeral Home
