Eugene Moses Calkins Jr.
AKA - Gene - Genie - Moe - Little Moe - Uncle Moe
May 22, 1940 - April 21, 2023

Born May 22, 1940, in Santa Rita, New Mexico to Eugene Moses Calkins Sr. & Mary Maude Smith. He had a big brother, Ronnie, that he followed everywhere, and later a baby sister, Nancy, whom he adored.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bonnie. His brother: Ronald Crumb, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His sister-in-love: Peggie Nagel, nephews Troy Nagel, Mark Nagel & wife Kelly & 2 great-nephews. His brother-in-love: Roy Gorman & wife Lina.

Gene spent his early years in El Paso. When his parents divorced, his buddy Mike Oatman gave him encouragement to keep going. Gene also found comfort with his "Mawmaw" Chloe. When life became too complex, going to Mawmaw's in California was the remedy.

Gene Graduated from U. of H. in 1988. He worked at N.A.S.A. during the Apollo Program in the early 1970s. Gene retired from Texas Instruments in 1998 after 23 years of service.

Gene was a man of many talents. He loved a challenge and played in Chess Tournaments. He played against "Big Moe" for 12 years before winning a game. He studied chess intently for years playing annual tournaments in San Antonio. He was a member of the Texas Instruments Worldwide Chess Club, winning 1st Place 1982 and Reserve Section 1st Place 1992.

Gene was an artist. He enjoyed painting with various mediums, doing pastels, and charcoal art. He made many crosses with exotic woods to share with friends and family. Whatever he set his mind to, he could accomplish. A gentle spirit with much determination.

Gene also loved sharing his knowledge. Sometimes teaching a Youth Chess or teaching someone to make circles and triangles on a page turning it into an animal or something. Then teaching young couples Sunday School and later older couples Bible Study. He did a bit of substitute teaching after retirement considering a second career. Everybody loved Gene… young and old!

He enlisted in the Air Force in the '60s and met his lifelong friend, Wayne French. Many weekend leaves and holidays were spent with the French Family. It only seemed logical to follow Wayne home to Houston after the Air Force.

With a strange twist of events, Gene met the love of his life Bonnie Gorman, in the shadow of the Astrodome. She knew she had met Prince Charming and he knew he had met Cinderella.

Jan 23rd, 1970. Gene and Bonnie embarked on a long journey to create their own "Story of Love" lasting more than 53 years. They traveled hand in hand to Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the great United States. They brought back ideas and dreams to their own home and garden which Gene lovingly named "God's Little Acre". Blessed with an abundance of friends and friendships, some spanning decades, others only months; they lived a rich life.

In recent years, Sister Peggie and Almost Sister Paula were a huge blessing to come alongside Bonnie for this last leg of the journey as they cared for Gene. We are also grateful to the numerous caregivers and gathering place volunteers that touched our lives during this time.

Gene got the ultimate promotion April 21, 2023, when he got to go home to Jesus. Paula and Bonnie were by his side. HALLELUJAH, Gene won the race because of his relationship with Jesus Christ! He is more alive now than he has ever been!

Funeral Service Information

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home
8706 Almeda Genoa Road
Houston, TX 77075

Friday, May 5, 2023

Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home
8706 Almeda Genoa Road
Houston, TX 77075

Interment to Follow

Graveside Service
12:00 p.m.

Forest Lawn Cemetery
8601 Almeda Genoa Road