Eugene “Gene” Paden

Gene was born on August 31, 1924 to the late James and Dixie (Barbour) Paden in Lyman, OK. Gene grew up during the depression and his family moved often for his father to find work. He served in the US Navy during W.W. II and following discharge he met the love of his life Wonice Brooks. They married on August 16, 1946 in Paris, Texas. The couple moved to Lubbock in 1953 and Gene owned and operated a paint contracting business and painted many buildings in Lubbock. Gene was an outdoorsman and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and shooting BB guns and Friday nights.Along with his parents and wife, Gene is preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Harold Paden.Gene is survived by his two daughters, Terry and husband Jim Fountain and Tammy and husband Dwain Neff, a sister, Lola Dee Chernushek all of Lubbock; four grandchildren, Shawn Fountain of Lubbock, Ami Neff of Dallas, Matthew and wife Rebecca Fountain of Lubbock, and Derek Neff of Houston, numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and his loyal companion, Coco. Memorials are suggested to the Lubbock Meals on Wheels or the Wounded Warrior Program.We would like to thank Gene’s caregivers, Ollie “the captain” Linda and Elia for the loving care given to him during these last months and days. Each of you were a special blessing to our family.