Walter Eugene “Gene” Irle

Walter Eugene “Gene” Irle, 76, of Gonzales, passed away Saturday, Nov. 3. Gene was born October 31, 1942 at the family home near Harwood, Texas to Walter Bright Irle and Anna Lea Martin Irle. He had been a member of the Gonzales Elks Lodge B.P.O.E.

Gene was a man proficient in many trades. He farmed, did carpentry and tore down old houses. Gene was salvaging the wood and timbers for later use to build a home in McFarland while using his four daughters to remove nails from each board, he was intent on not raising any “sissy girls.” Gene was a heavy equipment mechanic, he could fix anything and taught others how to repair and rig equipment to make it fully operational. Three of his grandsons are following in his footsteps as heavy equipment mechanics, operators with interests in farming, a testament to his living legacy.

Gene worked hard all his life to provide for his daughters. At times taking them to his shop just to spend time with them, otherwise his dedication to long hours of work would have prevented him for seeing them for long periods of time. Gene loved farming and baling hay. He was always willing to help others when called upon. Gene was willing to share his knowledge of farming, machinery repair or lessons he had learned in the course of his life to those interested or just needing advice. Gene was adamant his daughters new how to change a tire and maintain the fluid levels in their trucks. He loved to tell stories of his youth spent making his car fast to race friends down Hwy 304. He loved to cook and mastered many of his mother’s recipes upstaging his daughters’ efforts in their futile attempts to best him in cooking. He enjoyed canning produce from his garden and Gene made the absolute best pecan pie.

Gene was a strong man with a deep personal faith in God. He was seldom demonstrative in verbally expressing his love to “his girls” but they knew their daddy loved them. A friend touched his heart in conversation some time back, saying, “Those girls need to hear that you love them.” In every conversation in person or on the phone, Gene was certain to convey a heartfelt “I love you” to each of “his girls.” Others frequently heard Gene proclaim, “I love my girls,” with a deep-seated sense of pride and genuine adoration. Gene loved his grandchildren and endeared himself to their memories with his willingness to share his stories, wealth of knowledge and unconditional love. Clearly Gene loved “his girls,” his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but what sincerely filled his heart and abundantly warmed his soul was the love he received in return from his admiring family.

Gene is survived by his loving family, daughters and sons-in-law, Sherry Lynn and Robert Williams of New Waverly, Kelly Jean and John Crowe of Conroe, Shelly Jean and Ralph Street Sr. of Jackson, MO, and Kari Jo and Robert Dollard of Shiner, grandchildren, Brandon and Chassie Williams, Chris Dollard, Kelsey Williams, Tanya and Nathan Sides, Paige Dollard, Taylor Crowe and Kaitlynn Harrison, Ralph Street Jr. and Robert Street, great-grandchildren, Aubrey Williams and Kambrie Lynn Crowe.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Anna Irle.

Funeral services for Walter Eugene “Gene” Irle will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with his dear friend Pastor Warren Hornung officiating. Interment will follow in Thompsonville Cemetery. Pallbearers: Brandon Williams, Taylor Crowe, Ralph Street Jr., Robert Street, Chris Dollard and Nathan Sides. Honorary pallbearers: Robert McDonald and Gordon DeLoach. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Thompsonville Cemetery Association or the American Cancer Society. Friends may leave their condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.