Gene Sarazen Morrow

Gene ('Papa Gene') Morrow was born on August 6, 1933 in Dallas, Texas to Nan and Samuel Morrow. He entered Heaven on August 5th, 2022, just one day shy of his 89th birthday. He passed peacefully in Katy, Texas. Gene is survived by the love of his life and wife of 62 years, Ida Ellen Morrow. Papa Gene is also survived by his daughter, Sheri Ellen Friedman and husband, Mitch; Granddaughter, Tara Brown and husband Ryan; Granddaughter, Devin Elder and husband Ryan; Grandsons, Dillon and Jordan Friedman; Great grandchildren, Kyle, Jacob, Brady, Mia and soon to be born great granddaughter, Lincoln Eileen; Great great granddaughter, Annelise; Numerous other family, including nieces and nephews.

Gene graduated from Forest Avenue High School in 1950. He attended one year of college at SMU and then transferred to the University of Texas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1954. He also obtained his Master's Degree from the University of Texas in 1957. His Master's Thesis was entitled "Effects of Additives on Pressure Changes in Thermal Reactions of Acetylene." After graduating from the University of Texas Gene began a 35-year career with Shell Oil Company, retiring in 1991.

Papa Gene loved to fish! Most weekends you could find him in Galveston Bay on his boat, the 'Ida Ellen', and the marina at Eagle's Pass is covered with pictures of him taking young men out to fish in the bay. He loved to catch redfish and trout and would bring them home and fry them up which made his family very happy. He was thorough in his fish cleaning, telling us that if a bone was found he would give us a hundred dollars (No one ever received a payout). Gene also enjoyed doing research in genealogy, tracing our family back to the 1600's.

Papa Gene was the most giving and generous man. He would eagerly give you 'the shirt off his back', and often helped family members in times of financial need.

Gene was an excellent cook, and if you were a guest in his house you were supplied with everything you wanted to eat and drink. Gene often provided each grandchild with a personalized breakfast menu (but don't be late to the table!).

Papa Gene's passing has left a huge hole in our hearts, but we know that this is only a temporary goodbye. The firm hope of our reunion is anchored in Papa Gene's recent decision to say 'YES!' to Jesus's invitation to save him, which we celebrated with his baptism last November.

We want to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of AccentCare Hospice and Caydance Assisted Living.

Visitation will be held at San Jacinto Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 14659 East Freeway, Houston, Texas 77015, on Wednesday, August 10th from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 11th at 12:00 p.m.