GENE KNIZE

GENE KNIZE The Honorable Gene Knize, 83, of Ennis, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025. A lifelong resident of Ellis County, Gene was born in Ennis in 1942 to Wesley F. Knize and Ethelina Haskovec Knize. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved aunt, Carolyn Haskovec. Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Evelyn Patak Knize; his daughter Sheryl Miears and her husband Steve Miears of Southlake; his son Michael Knize and his wife Michelle Knize of Dallas, and his son Dr. Mark Knize of Dallas. He is also lovingly remembered by his five grandchildren Jake, Drew, Kate, Caroline, and Abbey who affectionately knew him as "Grandjudge." Gene was a 1960 graduate of St. John High School in Ennis. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration, graduating cum laude, from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, and later earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary's School of Law, graduating in the top 10% of his class. He dedicated over 40 years of service to the citizens of Ellis County, serving as Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney, and ultimately as District Judge. His steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and integrity left a lasting impact on the community he served. A proud American, Gene served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, Artillery Division, and remained deeply patriotic throughout his life. His faith and devotion to his community were evident in his service on the St. John Parish Council, School Board, and Booster Club. Beyond his professional and civic life, Gene was a man of warmth, intellect, and humor. He loved music and history, and especially cherished family vacations with his children and grandchildren to Disney World and Turks and Caicos. His greatest joy was supporting his children and grandchildren in their education, interests, and hobbies. He also shared a lifelong love of Dallas Mavericks games with his wife, Evelyn. Gene will be remembered for his integrity, wisdom, compassion, and the deep love he held for his family, faith, and community. VISITATION / ROSARY will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. in the J. E. Keever Mortuary Chapel, Ennis, Texas. MASS will be celebrated Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis, Texas. PALLBEARERS were: Zachary Pleiner, Brad Pleiner, Jake Harrison, Drew Harrison, Bobby Donnell, and Steve Miears. ENTOMBMENT will follow in St. Joseph Mausoleum under the direction of J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.