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Errol Eugene “Gene” Zwahr has passed from this Earth into heaven after courageously battling cancer in recent months. Gene was born in Freeport, Texas, August 20, 1951, and was residing in Manila, Philippines at the time of his passing on January 12, 2008. Gene graduated from Brazosport High School and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971, proudly serving his country and receiving special commendations for his significant contribution in the Far East and Western Pacific.
Gene was deeply loved by his family and they will miss his unique way of greeting them with his special, humorous phrases. He was intent on making others laugh. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone for their prayers for Gene and especially to their friend, Pastor Bruce Edwards who, while on evangelistic missions to the Philippines, went to visit Gene on several occasions. While in the hospital, Bruce prayed with, laughed with and brought comfort to Gene from home. Gene was a member of First Baptist Church in Lake Jackson.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Buddy and Katherine Zwahr; his brother, James Edward Sr.; and his nephew, Michael McMillan. His surviving family members include his daughter, Tina Zwahr; three brothers, Marvin Zwahr and wife, Elaine, Mervin Zwahr, Roger Zwahr and wife, Wanda; and two sisters, Judi Rasberry and husband, James and Susan Luttrell and husband, Les. Surviving nephews are James Zwahr Jr. and wife, Amy, Audie Zwahr, Eric Rasberry and wife, Tori, and Phillip Ansley. Surviving nieces are Stephanie Hastings and husband, Frank, Monica Stewart and husband, Brent, Melissa Zwahr and husband, Leif Wathne, Kaci Zwahr and Robin Bundick and husband, Jason. Gene has several aunts, uncles, great-nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends who also mourn his passing.
Funeral services will be held at Houston National Cemetery chapel in Houston, Texas on Monday, February 25th at 11:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bruce K. Edwards Evangelistic Association Inc., P.O. Box 22, Mansfield, TX 76063.
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Maria Rodriguez (Owens)
I recall Gene back in 7th grade biology class. He, Mike Sealy and Danny Penvose made my ribs ache with laughter back when. They were such clowns but I loved them all for including me in those silly pranks pushing to make me laugh so hard until Mrs. Prather would have a say.. I felt she was hard of hearing or pretended not to hear us. BIOLOGY, the study of life... who was to say what our destines shaped out to be after that.I just know that all my encounters with Gene since were always that of a very nice gentleman. He had a smile that was so catching. I will miss his signature side glance with that smile.
Before I moved to Los Angeles the 2nd semester of 7th grade, he had introduced me to his love for The Beach Boys unknowing to me that I would move to LA when they were still hot as the Beatles were coming into view. Every time I hear the "Warm of the Sun" by The Beach Boys, I recall Gene and those beautiful times back when. They were warm and tender times I will never forget. Thank you Gene.
May you rest in peace. -Maria
Tony Barnard
I first met Gene in 7th grade at Freeport Junior High. My memories of him are of a guy who was full of life and always fun to be around. In high school in Coach Walker's P.E. classes, Gene, Nolan Strother, and I would always try to get on the same volleyball team. It just didn't seem right unless all three of us were on the same team. If we weren't playing volleyball, we were probably playing tennis. Coach was pretty flex on what sports we could play, but if volleyball was an option Gene and I were there.Gene's career might have kept him from attending some of our class reunions, but we always enjoyed "catching up" at class reunions or any other opportunity.
Miss you fella!
Tony Barnard