Gene Donald Doss, age 88, passed away October 18 , 2017 in Brownwood. Gene was born February 27, 1929 in Ballinger, Tx to Monte J. and Estelle (Dusek) Doss. He attended Paint Rock schools growing up in the little community of Rowena, Tx and attending San Angelo Junior College for two years
Gene was a boxer who started out boxing in little matches around the communities of Brownwood and ended up fighting in state tournaments with quite the reputation for being a tough competitor. He decided to join the Air Force in May 1948 as a radio mechanic and served in Japan in the 1st Radio Squad for the 12th Air Force where during this time he boxed for the Air Force getting quite the collection of wins, such as the 5TH Air Force Japan Light Heavyweight Champion in 1949 and Far East Command FEAF-Army-Navy Light Heavy weight Runner Up in 1950, before retiring to the reserves.
He met and married the love of his life, Alma Leavern Harris on July 27, 1951 in Hobbs New Mexico. From there they moved several times before settling in Brookesmith where they started a small pig farm and raised their family. During this time Gene also worked at Phillips Drisco Pipe where he served as the production manager and plant foreman for 22 years. Soon after they moved to Belton to help his son start Gene Doss Construction, where he worked until retiring again to enjoy life on his pecan and peach farm. In 2008 he and Leavern moved back to Brownwood to spend the remainder of their time spoiling some of their great grandchildren and keeping family busy with good times on the farm.
Gene is survived by his sons, Gene Droyce Doss and wife Kathy of Belton, Donald Doss of Round Rock; daughter, Jerita Parson and husband Tommy of Brownwood; Brother, Kenneth Doss of Zephyr, sisters, Vernel Horton of Lometa , and Janette of Bandera Tx ; Grandchildren, Justin Doss and wife Amy of Corpus Christi, Jared Doss and wife Jessica of Hudson Oaks, Tx; Geanna Johnson and husband J.W. of Brownwood, Jana Dietrie and Husband Jace of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, Kelcy Purcell and Husband Joshua of Brownwood, Joel Doss and wife Maddie of China Springs, Tx, Sarah Doss of Houston, and Amanda Doss of Houston; Thomas and Angel Parson of Woodbine Georgia, and Lacy Parson-Sherman and husband Jon of Austin. His pride and joy was his 15 great grandchildren who he loved to play with. He is also survived by brothers in law, Warren Harris and wife Janice of Early, O.L. Harris and Wayne Harris and wife Deanna.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife Leavern Doss; brother, Clayton Doss; great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Doss and Miles Johnson.
A graveside service will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the Jordan Springs Cemetery in Brown County under the direction of the Heartland Funeral Home of Early. The family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CHERUBS-CDH.ORG or Cooks Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net