Gene Joray Schulte

Gene Joray Schulte, 87, of Hope, passed away Fri, Nov.  25, 2022.

He was born Sept. 17, 1935 in Lavaca County to Joe and Emilie Lucke Schulte.

He married Wanda Hairell on June 22, 1957. They were married for 54 years before her death in 2012.

Gene was a graduate of Hallettsville High School. He served as a captain in the Victoria Fire Department and retired from Alcoa in Point Comfort. He was a member of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR).

For many years he played the bass horn and wash tub with local bands “John and the Polka Sounds” and “The Good Old Boys.” 

Gene was a member of Ezzell Church of Christ.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Pamela and Donald Marshall of Bryan; Rick and Jan Schulte of Meyersville, and Carla and David Balfanz of Victoria; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

He is also survived by siblings, Weldon Schulte of Rosenberg, Glenn Schulte of Yoakum, Wanda Kroboth of Cuero, and Nola Bohuslav, Norrell Schulte and Arley Schulte of Hallettsville.

Visitation began at 1 p.m. with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m.,  Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum. 

Gene will be buried next to his wife at the Hallettsville City Cemetery in a private graveside service.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Will Marshall, Jonathan Marshall, Henry Marshall, Derick Schulte, and Jake Schulte; and nephew, Greg Schulte.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Texas, 1005 Mallette Drive, Victoria, Texas 77904 or a charity of choice.

Online guest book may be signed at www.thielecooper.com

Arrangements were entrusted  to Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, Yoakum.