Harry Gene Redden

Harry Gene Redden, 65, of Conroe, Texas returned to the Lord on November 9, 2014.

Gene was born in Conroe on January 13, 1949. He graduated from Conroe High School in 1967 and in the fall he enrolled at Lamar College. His studies were soon interrupted by the Vietnam War, where Gene proudly served two tours of duty in Vietnam, rising to the rank of SP5. His service may have ended in April of 1971, but it has remained in his heart all his life. "Paw Paw" proudly and lovingly wore the hat his grandchildren bought for him at the Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He was a proud veteran who loved America.

Gene had a never-ending thirst for knowledge. He returned to college at Sam Houston State University and received his undergraduate degree in business in May of 1983. Gene later went back to school to obtain his Master of Arts in Industrial Technology and graduated with his Master's Degree in 2002, when he was 53 years old from Sam Houston State University. He never stopped learning.

Gene was a guy who just knew how to fix things, from complex machinery to his grandkids Christmas toys. He was a master at turning leather and wood into works of art and leather-ware. He was a brilliant writer, having written many short stories and poetry. Gene was also an avid reader and enjoyed searching flea markets for old books. He worked at CAPRO in Willis, Texas until his retirement.

Gene is survived by his wife of 16 years, Melody Redden; his mother, Kathy Bright; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Wayne Dolcefino; two grandchildren, Anthony and Cyna Dolcefino who affectionately called him "Paw Paw" and two brothers, Steve Brookshire and his wife, Patricia and Rusty Brookshire and his wife, Anita. He also leaves behind so many more family and friends, the number too great to mention by name. He loved you all. Gene was preceded in death by his father, Joe Redden and his mother Audrey Brookshire.

His unique life will be honored at a Memorial Service in The Chapel at Conroe Funeral Directors on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Ray Hyden officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service in The Chapel beginning at 10:00 A.M. Gene will be interred at the Veterans Houston National Cemetery at a later date. (Conroe Funeral Directors, 1504 N. Thompson St., Conroe,TX 77301)