Eugene “Gene” Schobel of Columbus, Texas passed away on August 12, 2025.

Eugene is survived by his loving wife, Chris; sisters, Bettie Schobel Jackson, Shirley Ann Schobel and Libbie Schobel Landureth; two nephews; three great nephews; one great niece; three stepchildren and six step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Libbie and Oswald, brother-in-law, Bob Jackson and one step-grandchild.

Gene was born on August 10, 1935, in Columbus. His father was away from home, attending his mother’s funeral. His mother, not well enough to attend the funeral, stayed and delivered Eugene two days after his grandmother’s death.

Gene was baptized on September 1, 1935, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus by Rev. W.A.

Flachmeier. He was confirmed by Rev. G. Wolf and remained a member of the church.

Eugene attended Columbus Elementary School, received the highest honor in eighth grade going into Columbus High School, gradu- ating in 1953 as valedictorian of the first class to complete all twelve years of school.

Gene and his wife, Chris, created a scholarship fund at Texas Lutheran University to educate future ministers. In recognition of his contributions towards academic excellence, Gene became a member of The University of Texas’s Chancellor’s Council. Gene and Chris are members of the Texas Lutheran University President’s Association. The University of Texas at Austin Business School Foundation honored him in appreciation of his support of the College and Graduate Schools of Business.

Gene continued his education at the University of Texas in Austin, graduating in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in accounting. Gene went to work in Houston for Pan American Petroleum. In 1964, when Indiana Pan American became part of Standard Oil, he was transferred to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Gene retired in Tulsa with 30 years employment.

In 1988, after his retirement, Gene worked as a manager at Cactus Jack’s General Store in Houston’s Town and Country Mall. In 1989, he moved to Austin, headquarters of NOBONZ, parent corporation of Cactus Jack’s, to head corporate operations, retiring with 16 years of service on December 31, 2004.

During Gene’s time in Tulsa, he was Education Vice President of Bethany Lutheran Church for eight years. He was responsible for the congregation education programs including adult and youth Sunday school, three Boy Scout troops and numerous youth activities. He established a large church library and formed an Explorer Scout troop with 25 explorers.

Gene joined Civitan International in 1974. He served in many club offices including vice president and two separate presidency terms.

With over 50 years of Civitan service, the club has been instrumental in his life. He was elected Governor of the Oklahoma-Kansas Civitan District on his birthday in 1982 and remained a member of Civitan International. Gene received the Club Honor Key and the District Honor Key, the Civitan International Fellow Award, was named a Junior Fellow, and was recognized for superior recruitment skills.

Gene met his wife, Chris, in Austin in 2005. They were married in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. They moved to Columbus and honeymooned in Victoria, Seychelles, where Chris was born. They enjoyed playing bingo and gardening together.

A Celebration of Gene’s life will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbus, Texas.

Pastor Alan Kethan will be officiating.

Interment is in Odd Fellows Rest in Columbus.

Memorials may be sent to St. Paul Christian Learning Academy, P.O. Box 267, Columbus, Texas 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.