Gene Ray Dolen

Gene Ray Dolen passed away Jan. 11, 2021, in Mexia at the age of 57. Graveside services were to be held at 4 p.m., Jan. 12, in the Seale-Round Prairie Cemetery.

Gene was born July 25, 1963, in Mexia, to David Ray and Peggy Janelle (Roberts) Dolen. He grew up in Mexia and was an honor graduate of Mexia High School, ranked 3rd in the Class of 1981. Gene received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University. He served his country in the Army National Guard for several years, and was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant.

As a young man, he began working for the Coca-Cola Company, then worked for the TDCJ Boyd Unit and later worked as a special education teacher. Gene enjoyed his job as a teacher and was very suited for it. He was very understanding of his students, who were challenged by disabilities and took pride in teaching them.

Gene was a loving husband, father and son. Gene was a proud father of two daughters, Elspeth and Gwyneth; his entire family meant everything to him. He was very caring and always willing to take on any responsibilities that were necessary when it came to taking care of his family. He became the caregiver for his wife, who was legally blind and later terminally ill. He also moved back home to take care of his parents, due to COVID. Gene was a member of First Baptist Church in Mexia.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Leslie Dolen; sister Jan; and brother Jon.

Gene is survived by his parents; David and Peggy Dolen; daughters Elspeth and Gwyneth Dolen, of Webster; and nephews David Tyner and wife Donnielle, of Rice, and Bradley Tyner and wife Kelli, of Ennis.

Visit www.blair-stubbs. com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.