Emmagene (Gene) McGowen Herrin passed away peacefully on May 19, 2015, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Grandview, Texas on October 25, 1921, she was predeceased by her sweetheart since second grade and husband of 66 years, Al G Herrin; Meredith Herrin, an infant daughter; Alden Herrin, an infant son; her parents, Ruby Pearl Singleterry McGowen and James T. McGowen, and sisters Nanette Padgett, Virginia Moore, Mary Partin, and brother James T. McGowen.

She is survived by her daughter, Gene Ann Herrin, and long-time friend, Barry Duncan, of Seguin, Texas; sister-in-law Patti McGowen of Garland, Texas; nieces, Ricki McMillan of Levelland, Texas; Nancy Moore of Anton, Texas, and Elizabeth Jacinto of Garland, Texas, and nephews Randy Herrin of Anton, Texas, and Michael McGowen of Calgary, Canada, as well dogs Buddy, Allie, BeBe and Petey. She was a member of the Walter Stewart Clan, House of John.


Gene lived in Anton, Texas from 1927 until 2000, and was a graduate of Anton High School and attended Texas Tech University. She worked at the Levelland ASCS and Farmers' Home Administration, and during World War II, for the Army Specialized Training Unit at Texas Tech. She and Al were married in December of 1943, and from 1948 until her retirement in 1986, she was the Office Manager of the Anton Producers Cooperative.

She was a lifetime member of the Anton Methodist Church, of which her parents were founding members, and also a member of the Anton Study Club and charter member of the 1950 Study Club. Gene and Al resided in Anton, and engaged in cotton farming and ranching near Anton, Texas and Gene Autry, Oklahoma from 1946 until their retirement.

Gene loved the outdoors, enjoying many happy years of rv-ing, camping and fishing with Al.
The family gratefully acknowledges the attention and care that Gene received from Dr. Sankararao Tamtam during her last years, and also the exceptional and loving care of her wonderful caregivers, Pam Leal, Peggy Hanover, Cindy Medrano and Anita Gilbert.

A private memorial service is planned for June in Seguin, followed by graveside services on July 17, 2015 at the Anton Cemetery, where she will be interred.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gene's name to The Owen Project, a project to bring laptop computers to rural school children in Honduras c/o St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 201 E. Nolte St., Seguin, Texas or to Haven for Hope, 1 Haven Way, San Antonio, Texas 78207.