Eugene “Gene” William Eschenburg Sr. of Frydek went to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of March 26, 2024, at the age of 85. Eugene was born on Sept. 2, 1938, in Hackberry to William and Frieda (Hoffman) Eschenburg. He was baptized and later confirmed into the Catholic Faith. Although his life drastically changed in 1954 when he lost his mother, he still graduated from Hallettsville High School, joined, and served in the U.S. Air Force in 19561960, and attended the University of Houston.

Gene married the love of his life, Filothea Sodolak, on May 15, 1966, and together they raised and graduated from college seven children: Gene Jr., Valentine (Val), Sharlene, Justin, Shannon (Shane), Tiffany, and Nathan that he was very proud of and loved to the fullest. He LOVED spending time with his family, LOVED supporting and attending his children and grandchildren’s activities, LOVED dancing with his wife and family, traveling with friends and family, working cattle, and playing dominoes.

He held various jobs after serving in the US Air Force (Montgomery Wards retail, hiring manager for Armour, and real estate) but he found his true calling as an insurance salesman. For over 50 years, Gene was one of the hardest workers for Farmers Insurance Group where he built strong personal bonds with his customers, won several awards/ recognitions, and exhibited a strong work ethic. He ALWAYS greeted EVERYONE with a “Hi! How are you?” whether he had met you before or not. He loved BIG, had a heart of gold, was a selfless man, and never met a stranger!

Gene was an active member of the Frydek community and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. His community activities included: San Felipe/ Frydek Fire Department, Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster - Troop 443, active Frydek KJT Member, Frydek KJZT Member, and Life Member of Frydek Knights of Columbus. For over 50 years, Gene was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Frydek, Texas where he served as a Lector and could be found at mass nearly every weekend. Gene was one of the most recognizable faces at the annual St. Mary’s Grotto Celebration every April where he served as the leader of various committees and volunteered many hours of his time in various capacities.

Gene is survived by his wife of 57 years Filothea Sodolak Eschenburg; SONS: Gene Jr. and wife, Teresa; Val and wife Emily; Justin and wife, Laura (his personal PT); Shane and wife, Danielle; Nathan and wife, Elizabeth; DAUGHTERS: Sharlene Havel and husband, Chris; Tiffany Casas and husband, Raul; 22 Grandchildren: Bailey Eschenburg & Kaytlin(Brandon)Martin; Daniel, Grace & Samuel Eschenburg; Hunter, Hayden & Hayley Havel; Cameron & Colby Eschenburg; Logan, Lexa, Landon & Levi Eschenburg; Nikolas, Isabella, Andres, Diego & Olivia Casas; Jobe and Japheth Eschenburg, Zoe(Vlad)Small; 3 Great Grandchildren: Grayson & Jackson Martin, Ivanna Small; sisters- in-law: Rosie Sodolak, Odie Eschenburg, Marilyn Sodolak; his Godchild/Niece: Kristen Shill; Nieces: Holly Sodolak-Lewis, Tiffany Dugan, Patricia Chavez, Shirley Smith; Nephews: Matt Sodolak, Chad Sodolak, Robert Eschenburg Jr., James Eschenburg.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Frieda Eschenburg; brother, Robert Eschenburg Sr; brother-in-law, Joseph Sodolak Jr; father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Ludmilla Sodolak; and sister-in-law, Margaret Sodolak.

Pallbearers are Bailey Eschenburg, Hunter Havel, Cameron Eschenburg, Jobe Eschenburg, Daniel Eschenburg, Logan Eschenburg, Hayden Havel, Colby Eschenburg, Nikolas Casas.

Honorary pallbearers are Kaytlin, Grayson & Jackson Martin, Andres, Diego & Olivia Casas, Japheth Eschenburg, and Zoe & Ivanna Small. Lectors: Laura Eschenburg, Chad Sodolak; Altar Servers: Landon Eschenburg, Samuel Eschenburg, Levi Eschenburg; Carry Gifts: Grace Eschenburg, Lexa Eschenburg, Hayley Havel, Isabella Casas; Eucharistic Ministers: Emily Eschenburg, Pat Cieslewitz; Programs: Andres Casas & Japheth Eschenburg In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 10471 Grotto Road, Sealy, Texas 77474 in remembrance of Eugene Eschenburg.

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength…Philippians 4:13 Thank you, Archangel, St. Raphael for my safe journey to Heaven.