Mathis Eugene “Gene” Crisp went to be with the Lord Friday September 23, 2022, at his home in Menard, Texas. He was proceeded in death by his parents William “Jay” Crisp and Leona; wife Doris Crisp; son Jay Crisp and his wife Lynn; son Tommy Crisp; two grandsons; his four sisters- Myrtle Fowler, Ruth Hawkins, Saphronia Smith, and Ira Lee Allen; plus, countless cousins, and lifelong friends. He is survived by his son Robbin Crisp and wife Christy; daughter Jackie Daves; five grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, adopted nieces and nephews, and countless cousins and friends.
Gene spent a lifetime in the saddle following his father’s footsteps working as a cowhand on ranches across the Southwest.
Gene was born November 12, 1929, in Stiles but grew up in Menard. He attended school in Menard until the 8th grade. He would show up in the morning, but as soon as the bell for recess would ring, he would simply go home.
Gene would join the United States Army in 1951. You can take the cowboy out of the country, but you cannot take the country out of the cowboy. While on furlough, Gene would participate in local rodeos and moonlight as a jockey. He served 11 months in Korea where he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, and the United Nations Service Medal. After his release from the army in 1953, Gene would be introduced to his future wife Doris Nell Lee at the London Dance Hall in London, Texas. After only a couple of months, the two tied the knot March 11, 1953. The two would go on to have four children and moved all over the southwest working on numerous ranches such as the Ed Mears, Sam Allison Ranch, R.L. Lacie Ranch, the Noelke Ranch, and the Blanco Trencherio Ranch. No matter where the winds took them, Menard was always home, and in 1967 the family moved back to Menard.
Gene lived a life full of adventure and accomplishments. He was featured in the magazine Homestead in 1987. He was recognized by Red Man Chewing Tobacco who sent him countless merchandise and products to enjoy.
Gene and Doris were the founders of the Jim Bowie Trail Ride which they held for 35 years. He always had a story to tell, a firm handshake to offer, and a smile to share.
Gene’s funeral will be held Friday September 30, 2022, at 10 a.m. graveside at the Rest Haven Cemetery in Menard. He will forever live in our hearts, and we will miss him every day.