Gene Jeffers

On Sept. 13, 2014, as thoughts turn to the changing of seasons, Gene Jeffers went to his Heavenly home surrounded by a family who loved and faithfully cared for him. Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, at Fairview Cemetery with Rev. Rick Parnell, associate pastor of Central Baptist Church, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the U. S. Navy. Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, at Highland Baptist Church with Paul Nachtigall, pastor, officiating. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Gene was born on Dec. 20, 1923 in Fort Worth. Like so many young men of his generation, he enlisted to serve his country during World War II. He enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard at Amarillo in 1942, serving in the Pacific Theatre and was honorably discharged in 1946. Gene was a proud inductee of the Panhandle Veterans Hall of Fame. At age 90, Gene spent a year making over 400 beaded crosses for the students of Travis Elementary School in appreciation of the school and students’ patriotism as shown in their Veteran’s Day program. It was always an honor for Gene to stand when they presented the Coast Guard flag. In 1945, while home on leave, Gene met the love of his life, Billie Jo Hopkins, whom he married 10 days after they met. The home that Gene and Billie Jo built is the home in which they raised their children and in which they lived until they each left for their Heavenly home. Gene and Billie Jo were married for 52 wonderful years, and she left for Heaven on Feb. 7, 1997. He later married Leta Carruth who preceded him in death in 2009. Gene was a faithful member of Highland Baptist Church. He loved the Lord, his pastor, and church family with all his heart. Dad and Grandpa is survived by his three children, Bob Jeffers and wife Phyllis and Leigh Ann Crain and husband Mike, all of Pampa; and Joe Jeffers and wife Terri of Bixby, Oklahoma; 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and his faithful caregiver, Corrine Nichols. Memorials may be made to Pampa VFW Post #1657, P. O. Box 2684, Pampa, TX 79066-2684 or Highland Baptist Church, 1301 N. Banks, Pampa, TX 79065.