Eldon Gene Alvis, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Gene was born on May 22, 1937, in Joaquin, TX, to E. C. and Grace Lee Alvis.

Traditional, observant, and a true gentleman, Gene Alvis was a master at fixing things. He found unparalleled peace on his back porch, with a cup of coffee in hand, watching over his beloved cows. Gene was a born rancher, meticulous with his hay, deeply invested in his cattle, and trusting of his hands—his son, daughter, and even his newest hands, his grandchildren. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, Gene's life took a beautiful turn when he met a young lady named Erma at a local drive-in. In a serendipitous moment, he introduced himself to her, and though they were strangers, fate quickly intervened. He later contacted a mutual friend to get Erma's number and invited her on a second date to White's Cafeteria. His humor and kindness won her over, and their love only grew stronger over the next 66 years. They were married on June 20, 1958, and were blessed with a daughter and a son. Gene was a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, with a special love for steak. Breakfast, however, was the meal he never skipped, a big breakfast being his favorite. Gene's thoroughness was legendary; he organized things in a certain way and could always tell if even the slightest detail was out of place. Above all, he cherished his family deeply, with his cattle coming a close second. Gene's life was a testament to hard work, love, and dedication. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Left to honor his memory is his beloved wife, Erma Jo Alvis; son, sidekick, and faithful hand, Gene “Randy” Alvis and wife, Diana; daughter, Terrie Domec and husband, Wayne; brother, Charlie B. Alvis and wife, Muzette, and Kenneth Jarrell; sister-in-law, Robin Jarrell; brother-in-law, David Perkins; grandchildren, Jeremy Wayne Domec and wife, Lisa, Keith Gene Domec, Sasha Lynn Pickering and husband, Jonathan, Garon Ferguson, and Duel Gene Alvis and wife, Jodie; great-grandchildren, Abby Domec, Natalie Domec, Laney Domec, Greyson Pickering, Bennett Pickering, Taron Ferguson, Nash Ferguson, Camden Alvis, Kyson Alvis, K-lex Morgan, and Karsyn Morgan; and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Preceding Gene in death are his parents; brothers, Lee Jarrell and Lynn Jarrell; sisters, Virginia Ray Perkins and Mary Grace Elliott; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Elliott.

Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S. Main St., Lumberton, TX 77657. Gene’s life honoring funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Williamson Cemetery, Vidor, TX.