Wilburn Eugene Oliver

Wilburn Eugene (Gene) Oliver, 93, passed away on December 10, 2019, at his home surrounded by family.  He struggled bravely with numerous health issues in the past year, but his home-going was peaceful and calm.

He was born on July 27, 1926, in Hubbard, Texas, to Simon Peter Oliver and Pearl Dabney Oliver.  He had a brother, Roy Oliver, and a sister, Irma Lee Christian.  He graduated from Hubbard High School in 1943.

After a brief stint in the Navy, Gene returned to civilian life to work in Dallas with the VA at Love Field, where he met his future wife Patty, a Red Cross employee.  The couple married on March 1, 1947.  They were blessed with 72 years of marriage and further blessed with four children; Dianne, David, Donald, and Danny.  Their loved ones also include their children’s spouses, as well as 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Gene was employed as an accountant with various government agencies in Waco and Dallas.  He retired from government service in 1975.  At this point, he started his own business, Oliver Auto Sales.  He was known as a businessman of high integrity and a strong work ethic.

He and Patty eventually left Dallas and began a second retirement at Cedar Creek Lake, mostly to be close to her sister, Faye Paris and husband Ewing.  They joined First Baptist Church in Mabank, Texas, where they grew in their faith.  Gene served many years as a deacon in the church, and he and Patty made many wonderful friends.  Gene came to know Jesus as his personal Savior at an early age and has loved and served his Lord throughout his life.

Gene greatly enjoyed working in his yard, and he grew beautiful flowers and plants.  He deeply loved Patty and his family.  He also loved westerns, gospel music, clocks, and his beloved dog, “Willa.”  He was always ready to discuss cars and the car business.  Another of his favorite pastimes was meeting at McDonald’s for a “brown biscuit” and coffee with great friends Stanley, Maxie, and Jerry.

He is preceded in death by his parents and son David Oliver.

Donations in honor of Gene may be made to Mabank Senior Citizens’ Center, where he frequently met with friends.