July 17, 1917 –  January 18, 2013 Henry Eugene “Gene” Pearson, 95 years of age from Savoy, died Friday, January 18, 2013 at Mullican Care Center in Savoy.
Gene was born July 17, 1917 in the Hilger Community in Fannin County, to Joseph Robert Pearson and Carrie Jane (Lowery) Pearson. He was the youngest of six children. He married Kathleen Barker in 1941 and they shared their lives together until her death in 2009.

Gene farmed until he was 39 years old, at which time he went to work at Southwest Pump Company in Bonham, retiring in 1985. He also served on the Savoy City Council for 16 years and two terms as Savoy Mayor.

He was baptized into Christ in 1952 and served as song leader and teacher for the Savoy Church of Christ for many years. He was known through out the area for leading singing at many gospel meetings. He became known for his song writing as well as his beautiful tenor voice and was in much demand for song leading, which he did for over 40 years. He sang with the chorus on the “Know Your Bible” program on KXII TV, as well as the Savoy Opry after he turned 80 years old.

Gene is survived by brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Joycell Barker; nieces, Gwynn Barker, Ruth Ellen Archibald, Eva Ruth Tolivar, Kathy Mellinger; and one nephew, Douglas Barker. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and wife, Kathleen.

Visitation will be at 1:00 P.M. Monday, January 21, 2013 at Mullican-Little Chapel in Bells, one hour prior to the funeral service, which is at 2:00 P.M. Gene will be laid to rest beside his beloved Kathleen in Dodd City Cemetery following the funeral service.