Eugene Perry Whitlock

GLADEWATER - Eugene Perry Whitlock, 77, went to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, August 24, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. Arrangements are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home, Gladewater. Services will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 10 a.m., at the First Christian Church with Brian Fenwick and Larry Seery officiating. Burial will follow in Gladewater Memorial Park.

Gene was born to Ruby Lee and Ermer Herrin Whitlock at Starrville, January 25, 1933. He lived his entire life in this area, moving from Gladewater to East Mountain and residing there the last 45 years. Gene retired from LeTourneau after working 37 years as a machinist and lead man.

A special joy to him was faithfully serving the First Christian Church of Gladewater for many years as a choir member, a deacon and elder. He also enjoyed singing specials with the choir. Gene was privileged to work with the Manna House, serving as director for several years.

Gene is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sylvia Ann Bauman Whitlock of East Mountain; son and daughter-in-law, Charles Eugene and Carolyn Ellis Whitlock of Arp; daughter and son-in-law, Debra Whitlock Carter and George Russ Carter of Spring Hill; grandchildren and spouses, J.D. McCellon, Tim Whitlock, Angie and Bill Swinney, Brandy and Curtis Tinsley, Wendy and Chad Gauthier, James and Kendra Carter; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by a sister, Grace McLain of Iowa Park, Texas; brother, Donald and his wife Mary of Gladewater; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and his church family.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Ann Bauman; infant son, Dennis Ray Whitlock; grandson, Brent "B.J." Whitlock; and infant great-grandson, Easton Gage.

Active pallbearers will be J.D. McCellon, Dustin Whitlock, Bill Swinney, Curtis Tinsley, James Carter and Chad Gauthier.

Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the First Christian Church.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Rama Koya and staff at the Longview Cancer Center, the staff on the cancer floor of Good Shepherd Medical Center, Dr. Rodney Slone, Dr. Margaret Schottstaedt, Dr. Holder and the staff at Beacon Hospice of Margaret's House for their care of our loved one. We also want to thank our friends, including our church family for all the calls, cards, visits and prayers.

If so desired, memorials may be made to Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House, P.O. Box 5908, Longview, Texas 75608; First Christian Church, P.O. Box 1727, Gladewater, Texas 75647; or the Manna House, c/o Jimmy Muckleroy, 1710 N. Main, Gladewater, Texas 75647.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 27, 2010, at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater.