Gene Milstead

Gene Houston Milstead was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday July 6, 2022, at the age of 83. Gene was preceded in death by his father Belton Houston Milstead, Mother Gladys Marie Milstead, brother Quinten Milstead, sister-in law Bobbie Milstead, and nephew Matt Milstead. Gene leaves behind his wife Martha Milstead, daughter LaDonna Mullen and husband Donald, son Chad Milstead, grandson Heath Mullen and wife Amber, granddaughter Amanda Winkler and husband Daniel, grandson Nic King and wife Mary, grandson Kevin King and wife Brittany, great grandson Nathan Winkler, great grandson Cody King and wife Taylor, great granddaughter Taylar Wilson and husband Treyton, great granddaughter Paige Mullen and fiance Dalton Donaldson, great grandson Lane King, great grandson Kaston King, great grandson Cooper King, great-great granddaughter Paizlee Wilson, great great grandson Knox King.
Gene was born on July 13, 1938, to Belton and Gladys Milstead in a small community outside of Laneville known as Oak Flat. He graduated Laneville High School in 1955 and during his time there, he thoroughly enjoyed playing on their basketball team. Gene married the love of his life in 1957, Martha Pierce, who he remained married to for the next 64 years. He began working and held several different jobs until landing at TUGCO which eventually became Texas Utilities where he remained for 17 years. He began as an electrician in 1975 and during this time Gene was given the nickname "Millie". He eventually worked himself into a supervisory role until retirement in 1992. After this time, Gene chose to fully dedicate himself to his family. He also loved his church and was selfless in every endeavor as his passion was to be caregiver to anyone who needed him. He helped his church, Calvary Baptist Church, for many years and had many lifelong friends there. Gene helped at his church in any area that was brought to his attention in need of repair and took pride in the appearance of his church by cutting the grass and managing the sprinkler system. He also cut the grass and managed the appearance of the grounds at Texas Baptist Institute.
Gene spent years fishing in the Red River with friends. For many many years, he has enjoyed this trip with James Paul Shipp, James Donald Bryan, Paul Wood, and Jeff House. These men were always considered family to him. Gene has been known since his first grandchild as Paw Paw and will always be cherished as the foundation and stronghold of the family. Gene knew it was important to lead others to Christ by being a good witness and a devout man of God.
Services for Gene will be held Friday, July 8 at 2 pm in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Henderson with a visitation to take place one hour prior to the service. A private family burial at Laneville Cemetery will take place at a later date.