Dates
"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 excelled in his grades, was an avid baseball player, playing 3rd base. May 1948, he moved to Odessa, Texas and began a 40-year career in the oilfields. 36 years with Getty Oil co., 4 years with Texaco, then Chevron. During the years he worked he never lost a day of work due to an accident on the job. May 11, 1951, he married Frances Liles in Wellman, Texas Being married 74 years. There were 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 any and every one that no one 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. He 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, bought a cheap set of clubs and taught himself to play on a 3 hole course at Pyote, Tx He became to really like the game In the years he played he had (3) holes in one In 1993 he and Frances moved to San Angelo. He continued to stay active, working around the church, delivering meals to the elderly. Gene's life journey was hard work, loving and serving his Lord, loved his family so very much, 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 3 brothers. He is survived by his wife Frances. Daughter Dana Gray (Larry) grand kids, Shaun, Amy, and Misty, 4 great grandsons and 1 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."