Elvie Eugene “Gene” Drennan passed away peacefully on June 1, 2013, at Harris Methodist Hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas. He was 73 years old and loved by many for his humor, kindness, and work ethic. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, “Papa Gene,” and friend.
Funeral services for Gene will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday June 6, 2013 at Central United Methodist Church with John Beckling officiating, a private interment will follow at a later date. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home, in Brownwood, TX.
Gene was born on January 12, 1940, to Buddy and Clydie Drennan in Sydney, Texas. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1958, where he was involved in cheerleading, choir, and many social activities. He was a member of Highland United Methodist Church and had a love for music and God.
He faithfully served his country for six years as an Aircraft Mechanic for the US Navy. He could tell colorful stories of his time overseas in Guam, Newfoundland, and other countries. In fact, he traveled so much during his time in the Navy that he had no desire to travel again, especially not on a boat!
After his time in the Navy, he returned home to Odessa and courted Jennie Winn Jackson. Even though her mother warned her about Gene, they dated and married six months later on July 5, 1968. He was quite the charmer! They became the “Grinnin’ Drennans” because they were always smiling and laughing.
Gene received his undergraduate degree from Southwest Texas State University. He was also awarded a Master of Educational Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University.
A natural leader, Gene used his talents as a science teacher and lead an elementary school in Marion as their principal. He would tell stories of ten students holding on to each of his fingers as he walked from his car to the school. He was a confident man and could make a quick decision and stick to it.
Gene quickly realized that being confined to an office was not for him. He and Jennie Winn moved to Ft. Stockton, Texas, in 1978 so he could pursue an amazing job opportunity. By this time, they had three children: Stephen, Jincy, and David. Gene worked for University of Texas Lands where he was in charge of Range Land Management. He constructed a 1000-acre experimental vineyard for UT Lands which had never been done in Texas. He developed the land, grew grapes, and provided the grapes to St. Genevieve winery. He loved working outside with various types of people. Gene always pushed people to work hard and do their very best. He was never afraid of getting his hands dirty and was quite the example to his employees and his family. Working for UT Lands for 15 years provided many opportunities, such as traveling to Paris, France, to learn more about the wine-making process. He took numerous trips to California to meet with major grape growers and observed their successful techniques. His children looked forward to his return home and the gifts he would bring.
Gene was a member of FUMC Ft. Stockton and was a staple in the bass section of the choir. Many people remember the jokes that he would tell, even in the choir loft, and usually at inappropriate times! He was also Panther Band Booster president and ran a mean, clean concession stand on Friday nights. He enjoyed buying and selling horses and goats. He loved baby goats and took good care of all of his animals. They brought him much joy.
After retiring from UT Lands in 1993, Gene pursued a career in remodeling and building homes. His carpentry skills were learned from his father, Buddy, and Gene passed these skills on to his sons, Stephen and David. Gene bought and sold many houses in Ft. Stockton after spending countless hours remodeling the homes. He took pride in taking something old and making it new. The houses he built were a sight to be seen! He also made many additions to their own house on Mesquite Street, and built a wood shop in the backyard where he kept his tools and listened to Waylon Jennings on the 8-track as loud as it would go. Gene loved being outside and always made sure the yard looked “just right.”
The Drennans moved to Brownwood in 2003, to care for his parents, Buddy and Clydie. He was a member of Central UMC and was a faithful member of the choir. He enjoyed close relationships with all the choir members, and looked forward to the camaraderie they shared. When he felt good, he took daily trips to the grocery store, Wal-Mart, and his favorite place, “the farm.” He always felt he was closest to Heaven when he was at the farm.
To say our Dad was a fighter is an understatement. He survived a 9-year battle with leukemia and beat it many times! Instead of focusing on cancer, we will instead remember his quick wit, his strength, his love for Jennie Winn, his skunk tattoo, his care for Clydie, and his obsession with being on time. He would say, “If you’re on time, you’re late!” Our Dad was a man of faith, a man of few words, but we always knew he loved us and would do anything to help us be successful. We love you, Dad, and know that you are now magnificent and healthy in Heaven. We will see you soon, for we are all God’s children and called to return to Him when He sees fit. We can hear you singing, “Then sings my soul! My Savior God to thee…How great thou art, how great thou art!” We’ll see you on the other side, and we miss you dearly.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home.
