Gene (Alvin Eugene) Crist

Funeral service for Gene (Alvin Eugene) Crist, age 79 of Cumby, TX will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Murray Orwosky Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs, TX with Bro. Wayne Darty officiating. Interment will follow at Shooks Chapel with Calvin Perry, Hunter Crist, Samuel Perry, Elijah Perry, Jack Ragland, Sean Walker, John Horsley, and Lil Gene Walker serving as pallbearers. Collin Mayeux, Wesley Mayeux, Benjamin Horsley and Malachi Horsley serving as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning before the service. Mr. Crist passed away at his home in Cumby, TX on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Alvin Eugene Crist was born on August 31, 1944 in Panhandle, TX to Fred and Almeda (Burleson) Crist.  After high school, Gene earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from West Texas State University. Gene married the love of his life, Patsy Roan, in Mesquite, TX on March 2, 1968. They were married for 56 years and had two children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom Gene meant the world to.  He was lovingly known as “Dad” to all of them.  He was also loved and adored by his sisters, brother, nieces, and nephews. Gene served in the U.S. Army as an E-5 Sergeant for the 167^th Signal Company during the Vietnam War.  He maintained close friendships with his “brothers” from the 167^th Company over the years.  They even met annually to stay in touch.  He considered them his “adopted brothers” after his military service ended. Gene worked as an Engineer at several Corporations during his career including Lockheed Martin, SureStart, Murdock, and Legend Aircraft.  His co-workers and other retirees at Legend Aircraft became very special life-long friends.  They too were like “brothers” to him. Gene was the rock of the family. Everyone in the family went to him for wisdom. Gene will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patsy; son, Fred Crist and wife Wanda; daughter, Jeannie Walker and husband James Walker; grandchildren, Calvin Perry, Cristine Crist, Hannah Ragland and husband Jack, Rebecca Horsley and husband John, Samuel Perry, Donna Walker and husband Sean Walker, Elijah Perry and wife Rachel, Sarah Perry, Hunter, Crist, Wesley Mayeux and wife Payton, Collin Mayeux; great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Miley, Benjamin, Malachi, Olivia, Lil Gene, Layton, Landry, Lawsyn; sisters, Bertha Owens and husband Mike, Mary Alice Benton and husband John, Alva Branson; and brother, Arthur Barnes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Almeda Crist; and great-granddaughter, Ezra Song Horsley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hopkins County Military Coalition, PO Box 922, Sulphur Springs, TX  75483.