Eugene C. Wilson

Eugene C. Wilson, 87 years young, passed peacefully at home on March 24, 2013. He was born in Monticello, Mississippi to Blanche Cannon and Albert Wilson. Gene was a part of the Greatest Generation and a true gentleman. He valued friendship and family, a good education, hard work, thriftiness, and giving more than receiving. He proudly served his country by volunteering for the Army Air Corp Aviation Cadet program at age 17 and earned his commission at 19. Gene was grateful for the GI Bill and graduated from Tulane University with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1949. His career with the Gulf Oil Company began in New Orleans and when a promotion took him to Montgomery, AL he met and married Betsy Jones – the most remarkable person he ever knew and the love of his life. They shared 48 years of marriage and adventure living in eight cities and two continents as his career progressed. His was transferred to Houston in 1974 to serve in the Office of the President for Gulf Oil and Refining Company. He retired in 1986 and he and Betsy continued to live in their beautiful home in Houston. After his dear Betsy’s death in 2002 Gene’s inner strength allowed him to live a full independent life. He enjoyed his weekly golf games, monthly Gulf luncheons, ALPS meetings, and rarely missed Friday Happy Hour as an honorary male member of the Thornwood Women’s Club. He was known fondly as Chief. Family was so important to him and the annual reunions he organized assured that his siblings Marje and Glenn (both deceased), Bud, Mel, Jack and their children and grandchildren knew each other well and remain close. His children, who loved him dearly and will miss him daily, are Candy and her husband Stephen Couch, Scottsdale, AZ, and Chuck Wilson and his wife Debra, Missouri City. He was so proud of his grandchildren, all college graduates and successful and admirable adults, Adam Couch, Wesley Couch, Michael Wilson and Natalie Wilson. His life was blessed with so many friends too numerous to name who brought him such joy - they will miss him as well as his homegrown tomatoes. The family thanks Veronica and Damaron for their care and compassion in making his final months comfortable. A celebration of life followed by a reception will be held Saturday, April 6 at 11 am, Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Drive. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions can be made in his memory to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 or www.houstonhospice.org. Visit www.DettlingFuneral.com to leave online condolences.

Eugene C. Wilson

December 12, 1925 - March 24, 2013