Eugene Pavey

Eugene Baker Pavey, 87, a longtime resident of Coldspring, Texas, was born June 5,1938, in Houston, Texas, and passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, in Livingston, Texas.

Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. From an early age, he showed an industrious and entrepreneurial spirit. As a young boy, he rode his bicycle to deliver newspapers throughout his neighborhood, eventually expanding
to additional routes and continuing to grow his small business through his high school and college years.

Gene had a deep love for music and enjoyed listening to artists such as Janis Joplin, Cher, and even Shania Twain. In his younger years, he developed a passion for cars, often buying, fixing, selling, and working on them whenever he had the chance. He loved telling the story of the time he placed an airplane engine into a car “just to see what would happen”; an example of his curiosity and adventurous spirit. Gene also took great pride in being a big brother and often shared stories from his childhood about
looking out for and protecting his little sister, Elizabeth Lee.

He graduated from Lamar High School and went on to attend the University of Houston–Downtown, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration while training in the ROTC program. Soon after graduating and getting married, Gene was called to active duty in the United States Army. He served his
country valiantly during the Vietnam War and rose to the rank of Major. Following his military service, Gene began a long and dedicated career with the Department of Defense in Houston. He worked in fuel logistics and retired after more than 30 years of
service.

Faith and service were central to Gene’s life. He was first a member of St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church, where he served as Scoutmaster for his son Eddie’s Boy Scout troop. After moving to Coldspring, Gene and his wife became longtime members of Coldspring United Methodist Church, where they remained active for more than 30 years. During that time, Gene faithfully supported the church in many ways, including actively participating in the youth group led by his youngest daughter, Elaine, and serving as treasurer of the United Methodist Men. He especially enjoyed attending traditional worship services, participating in Sunday School, and joining various Bible studies. Gene generously gave his time as a volunteer, especially enjoying Vacation Bible School, the annual Lord’s Acre Day, Church Camp, UMCOR, and many other
church events. He was also active in the community, serving as treasurer for the Coldspring-Oakhurst High School Band and working hard in the concession stand during football season. He supported his granddaughters, Brianna and Kerry, in their Girl Scout troop and school activities, always finding ways to help and taking great pride in their accomplishments.  More than anything, Gene cherished time spent with his family. He loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their school activities, hobbies, and life pursuits, and he made a special effort to stay connected with family near and far.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Elizabeth Pavey; his brother, Albert Pavey Jr., his beloved wife, Jane Ellen Pavey; and his son, Edward Eugene Pavey.  He is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Ellen and Gilbert Gardemal, and Elaine and Charles Russell; his daughter-in-law, Karla Pavey, his grandchildren and their spouses, James E. Jackson, Brian L. Jackson, Christopher W. Jackson and Amber Rose Jackson, Shaun A. Jackson, Victoria Elizabeth Pavey, Brianna Angelique Carrier and Cameron Carrier, and Kerry Ann Russell, and his cherished great-grandchildren, Othello Lee Jackson, Pearl Rose Avalynn Jackson, Sophie Althea Jackson, Julietta Jane Russell, and Addison Janae Carrier.

Gene chose to consign his body to the flames, consuming his physical body and releasing his spirit. As we remember the many ways he enriched our lives and the good he brought into the world, we take comfort in knowing that his soul rests with God and
our Savior, Jesus Christ. Gene’s memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions in honor of Gene Pavey may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association General Fund at www.alz.org, by mail to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N.Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or to the charitable organization of your choice.

A service celebrating Gene’s life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Coldspring Methodist Church, 1 Cemetery Road, Coldspring, Texas 77331. Family visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by the Celebration of Life at 10:30 a.m.