Gene Randall Carlson

Gene Randall Carlson passed away peacefully Friday morning, February 17, 2017 at Nevada Nursing and Rehabilitation in Nevada, MO following a long battle with illness. His Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 PM Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel in Pampa, Texas with John Curry officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa. A reception will follow at Finley’s at 114 N. Cuyler in Pampa.Gene was born on August 31, 1953 to parents Milo and Pauline Carlson in Pampa, TX the youngest of four brothers. He shared a close bond with all of his brothers, and was actively involved in Boy Scouts of America while growing up, achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from Pampa High School he continued his education at Texas A&M University graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Following his graduation, Gene continued on to have a long and successful career as a Petroleum Engineer, working for such esteemed companies as Burlington Resources, Duncan Oil, Encore Acquisition Company, and Continental Resources among others. Chief among his many achievements, he served as a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Encore Acquisition Company, which he helped to establish in 1998 and made public in 2001. Later, Gene served as the Senior Vice President of Resource Development at Continental Resources in Oklahoma, from which he retired in 2011. He formed many close and lasting friendships throughout his time working in the oil and gas industry, which continued until his passing. Among friends and family, Gene was well-known for his sense of humor and remarkable intellectual abilities. He was proud of graduating from Texas A&M University, and many will remember his countless Aggie jokes. Gene was an avid outdoor sportsman and greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and skiing. A few of his more notable outdoor expeditions included trips to the Bitterroot Pass, Alaska, and an African safari. One of his most treasured memories was of hunting trips made to the West Elk Wilderness in Colorado with his father, Milo, which held a sacred place in his heart. Gene passed on his love of nature to his children, and together they took frequent family vacations to the houseboat on Lake Conchas, New Mexico. All of his children share wonderful memories from these family outings. Gene also carried a love of dogs throughout his life, and he was known for riding around town with his beloved bulldog, Tank, in the passenger seat of his truck. Gene held great love and pride for all of his children, and encouraged each of them to pursue their goals to the upmost of their abilities. His hard work and dedication served as an inspiration to all who knew him. Gene is survived by his children, Jeanette (Gary) Hawkins of Nevada, Missouri, Scott Carlson of Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, and Keely (Jonathan) Walker of Plano, TX, as well as his grandchildren Alyx and Spencer Hawkins. He is also survived by his three brothers, Jerry (Sherry) Carlson and John (Sue) Carlson, all of Pampa, and Jack (Karen) Carlson of Houston, along with many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center at 1000 N. Lincoln Blvd, Suite 1200, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.