Published in the Houston Chronicle, Houston, TX, April 17, 2008.

Melvin Eugene "Gene" Everett of LaPorte, Texas, age 83, passed away at his home on Friday, April 11, 2008.

Gene was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather and brother.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Elnora Wann Everett and Lawrence "Larry" Everett, son, Larry Howard Everett and sister, Fern Wann Everett Luker.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Janet Stanford Everett; daughter, Cheryl Louise Everett Odom and husband Michael Odom; son, Melvin Eugene "Mel" Everett Jr. and wife Patsy Everett; grandchildren, Andrea Everett, Ielene Everett, Madeleine and Michael Odom; a sister, Launa Fay Everett DeSale and a brother, Hobard Ray Everett Sr.; and many other relatives and friends.

Gene went to elementary school in New Madrid, MO, and graduated from high school in Philadelphia, MS in 1943. Gene was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Army. He served in the 8th Field Artillery Observation Battalion as a Private 1st Class. He was awarded five Campaign Battle Stars and The Presidential Unit Citation. Gene was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945.

Gene soon met his lifelong companion of 63 years, Louise Stanford of Waller, Texas. In 1946 they were married at St. Marks Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.

In 1946, Gene began working for the Southern Pacific Railroad Lines as a machinist until 1949. He then began working for Texas Solvay Polymer in Deer Park, Texas. He retired from Solvay Polymer in 1987.

Gene was a very talented and caring man. Some of his many interests and hobbies included photography, computers, carpentry, genealogy, reading, mathematics, television, radio repair and his grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 17, 2008 from 4-8 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home, 13401 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX. Funeral services and interment will also be at Brookside Funeral Home on Friday, April 18, 2008 at 12:30 p.m.