Dates
Gene was born November 15, 1933 in Llano, TX and went to be with the Lord on March 8, 2015 at the age of 81.
A Vigil service will be held Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, March 12, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
As a celebration of his life we will wear red in honor of his favorite color.
Gene always had a big smile and lived life to the fullest. He was the greatest Pepo to all his granddaughters and great grandkids. He was a kid at heart himself.
At the early age of 16 he went to work at a boot shop in Llano. He became a very well known boot maker and was featured in several books and magazines. His work was also featured in a traveling boot exhibit that went across the country. He made boots for several celebrities like Tommy Lee Jones, Jerry Jones, Barry Pepper, Colin Powell, Tanya Tucker and several NFL football players. He even made boots for a Saudi Prince.
He married Dolores Robles on November 8, 1952 and they enjoyed a loving life for 62 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters and 4 brothers.
Gene is survived by his wife Dolores Lopez, daughter Eva Yolanda Echavarria (Jessie) and granddaughters Jessica Echavarria, April Castro, Debbie Echavarria. Daughter Elizabeth Montez (George) and granddaughter Valerie Montez. He also had 5 great grandchildren Daniel Lucero, Diego and Jessie Castro, John Paul and Lilliana Castillo. He is also survived by his sister and brother in law Joyce and Walter Banks and brother in law Bob Stinespring and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the RN's Roy, Dala & Jennifer and aids on 5th floor at Shannon for the great service and support they provided Gene and the family.