Oliver Eugene “Gene” Mayo, 80, of Bellville, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, July 20, 2009, surrounded by his family.  

Born July 3, 1929, in Rudy, Ark, Gene was the son of Carl A. and Bertha A. (Oliver) Mayo.  His childhood years were spent in Rudy where he attended school and graduated from nearby Cedarville High School.

Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force in May 28, 1948, and retired July 1, 1974, at the rank of Master Sergeant after over 26 years of service.

He spent most of his life in the Schertz, Texas area where he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

Gene recently moved to Bellville to be closer to his family, and together they attended the First United Methodist Church in Industry.

In 2001, he began his “faith journey,” and on Thanksgiving Day 2008, he professed his faith to his family proclaiming Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  His favorite saying was, “Too blessed to be stressed.”  

An avid outdoorsman, he loved farming, his cattle, fishing and tending to his garden.  He was especially proud of his tomato crop this year. His great granddaughter, Ashlynn, was the light of his life, and he cherished every moment he was able to spend with her. 

Gene is survived by his daughter and son-in-law  Terry and Jim Godwin of Bellville; grandchildren  Kellie Vasek and her husband, Jason, and Brian Jeffries, all of Richmond; great granddaughter:  Ashlynn Vasek of Richmond; step grandchildren:  Sophia Pitcock of Houston and Chris Godwin of Mesquite; and step great grandson:  Spenser Pitcock of Bellville.  Also surviving Gene are his brothers:  Richard Mayo and his wife, Edith, of Van Buren, Ark. and William Mayo and his wife, Ruby, of Hayward, Calif.; sister:  Edna Mayo Coleman of Van Buren, Ark.; and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Ralph Mayo, Fay Mayo and Mildred Mayo Kubeck, and his step grandson, James Roger Godwin.  

Funeral service was 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2009 at Industry United Methodist Church with the Rev. Elizabeth Kevilus and the Rev. Tim Abel, Officiating.

Interment was in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Industry.

Pallbearers: Jim Godwin, Brian Jeffries, Jason Vasek, Bob Mayo, Jerry Wilson                                                      Frank Martin.

Honorary pallbearers: Leo Escamillo , Richard Mayo, William Mayo, Edna Mayo Coleman.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to: Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 East Blue Bell Road, Brenham, Texas 77833,  or to the Industry United Methodist Church, 1914 Main Street, Industry, Texas 78944