It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Curtis “Gene” Huntsinger, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Gene, as he was affectionately known, left this world on February 26, 2023, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication.
Born on September 14, 1940, in Lorena, Texas, Gene was the son of Tabb Ezra Huntsinger and Mildred Palmer Huntsinger. He grew up with a strong work ethic and a passion for people, which he carried with him throughout his life.
After graduating from Lorena High School in 1959, Gene married Daisy Nell Schmidt, on August 20, 1960. They embarked on a journey of love and adventure, moving to different parts of Texas as Gene pursued his career and Daisy became a high school teacher.
The Huntsinger’s first home was a rural one between Whitehall and Temple. Gene started a banking career in Temple in 1960, while Daisy commuted for her undergraduate teaching degree at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in nearby Belton.
After stopping to visit a friend in Hereford, Texas, while on a road trip to Colorado in 1967, they learned the local bank needed a loan officer and the high school needed a chemistry teacher. A big decision was made, and the young couple moved west. It was in Hereford that they welcomed their two sons, Randall Cory and Brian Chris, into the world.
Gene and Daisy moved their young family to nearby Hart in 1975, where Gene took on an executive position at the Hart State Bank. They enjoyed the rural community life and made many cherished memories with their family and friends.
In 1981, Gene and Daisy returned to Central Texas, where Gene took a new position at the First National Bank of Brownwood. He later transitioned to a career in insurance and worked at the Brown County Farm Bureau agency from 1992 until his retirement in 2006.
Gene was known for his love of people and his commitment to his community. He was an active member of the Brownwood business community and served as President of the Brownwood Kiwanis Club. He was also an ardent supporter of Brownwood Lion football and rarely missed a home game, sitting in the same 50-yard line seats for over forty years. His dedication to his community extended to his church, where he served in various layperson leadership roles at First United Methodist and enjoyed fellowship alongside numerous Brownwood families with whom the Huntsinger’s essentially co-raised dozens of 80’s teenagers at their long-time home on Good Shepherd Drive. As he transitioned into late retirement, Gene loved holding court every morning with several other Brownwood seniors at Whataburger and, of course, never missed the daily luncheon at the Brownwood Senior Citizens Center.
Gene’s love for people was matched only by his devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife Daisy, to whom he was a loving husband for 62 years, his son Randall of Austin, and his son Brian and daughter-in-law Bridgette of Dripping Springs. He is celebrated as a doting grandfather by Owen (18), Ava (14), and Ali (11), whom he adored and cherished.
Gene was preceded in death by his younger brother, Eddie Dee, who died in 1954 when they both contracted polio. Gene and Daisy lost an infant daughter, Lacy Lyn in 1980. Gene’s father, Tabb, passed away in 1991 in Waco, while his cherished mother, Mildred, died in 1994 after relocating to Brownwood. All greatly touched and impacted Gene’s life.
A memorial service for Gene will be held at 11:00 AM (new time), Friday, March 3, 2023, at First Methodist Church of Brownwood. All are welcome to attend. Inurnment will follow at 4:00 PM at the Moody Leon Cemetery near Moody, under the direction of Heartland Funeral and Cremation Service.
We celebrate the life of Curtis “Gene” Huntsinger, a man who lived his life with purpose, passion, and love. May he rest in peace knowing that he made a difference in the lives of so many.
Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Huntsinger family at heatlandfuneralhome.com