Eugene Howard Dashner

Eugene Howard Dashner of Hewitt, Texas, passed away on December 21, 2020, at the age of 83. To his family and friends, he was known as “Gene”, “Dad”, “Opa”, and “Uncle Gene”. Graveside services will be Monday, December 28, at 10:00 a.m., with Father Lee Nelson of Christ Church Waco officiating. Gene was born in Waco, Texas. As the son of a US Army officer, he grew up living in many places, both in the United States and abroad. He graduated from Rochefort American High School in Rochefort, France. After graduating high school, Gene returned to Waco where he met and married the love of his life, Lydia Fuentes. Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 29 years before retiring as Chief Master Sergeant, serving as Senior Enlisted Adviser at FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. While working full time, raising a family and coaching baseball, he found time to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of New Mexico in 1974. After retiring from the military, Gene worked for another eight years at Los Alamos National Laboratories in New Mexico, before he and Lydia returned to Waco to retire. Gene was a loving and supportive husband, dad, and grandfather. His positive impact on the lives of all who knew him will long be remembered. He could “supervise” anything, smile easily and laugh readily. He will be sorely missed. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Major Richard W. and Tootsie Dashner; and his sister, Lt. Colonel Linda L. Dashner. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lydia; his son, Richard Dashner and wife, Minerva; his daughter, Denise Jackson and husband, Bob Grant; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Janice Jockisch; and special cousins, LouAnn, Shirley, and Mary. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to Christ Church Waco, or Community Healthcare of Texas Hospice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBFamily.com.