Eugene Heinrich

Eugene Paul Heinrich passed away June 13, 2022 at the age of 83, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Englunds Chapel, followed by the Rosary Service beginning at 6:00 pm.  Resurrection Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Friday, June 17, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slaton.  Interment will follow at Englewoods Cemetery in Slaton.  All arrangements under the care of Englunds Funeral Services.

Eugene (Gene) was married to his best friend and partner in life Jeanette (Schneider) Heinrich for 50 years. They were married on April 24, 1965 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slaton.

Eugene was preceded in death by Jeanette, his mother & father, Victor and Milada (Hlavaty) Heinrich and his brother, Roy Lee.

Eugene is survived by his sister LaNelle Heinrich of Slaton, son Brian and wife Susie Heinrich of Amarillo, grandchildren Dr. Matt Heinrich of Rochester, MN, Zach Heinrich of Bloomington, IN and Catherine Heinrich of Dallas, daughter Gayla and husband Glenn Seale of Summerville, SC, grandchildren Taylor Seale and husband, Ryan Bailey, Alexandra Seale and Cooper Seale all of Columbia, SC, daughter Gina and husband Bert Hicks of Long Beach, MS, grandchildren Keith Kalka Jr. of Dallas, Grace Kalka and Kade Kalka of New Orleans, Robert Hicks and wife Shawna of Milton, FL, Audrey Hicks of Atlanta, Ellie Hicks of Biloxi, MS, daughter Latricia (Tricia) and grandchildren Austin Gilbert and Hayden Gilbert all of Highland Village, TX, great grandson Sullivan Hicks of Milton, FL and one niece and several nephews.

Eugene was born Oct 17, 1938 a few miles northeast of Wilson, TX in Lynn County. At the age of six months the family moved eight miles west of Slaton to the Union community. He graduated from Lubbock-Cooper High School in 1957. He helped his dad on the farm and attended Texas Tech for one day, at which time he decided to come back to the farm to help his dad. He decided to take the Civil Service Exam. He failed the first time, took it a second time and passed, learning that persistence is important as it lead to his 36-year career with the United States Postal Service, first as a city carrier then as a rural carrier, retiring in 1995. He continued his passion for farming, retiring in 2011.

His devotion to his work was not always easy for the family, Jeanette said of her husband. "He wasn't always as involved in the kids’ lives as he would have liked, but they appreciated their hard-working father. He was putting in the long hours to take care of his family, to take care of his postal patrons and to take care of the land that God created. And we were a pretty good team because I could take care of the day-to-day activities with the kids. He supported me, and I supported him. We were a very loving family, with a lifetime of happy memories.”

He loved all the fun he had with his many cousins. He cared for, loved, and respected his many friends, from his co-workers at the Slaton Post Office to his farm friends and neighbors. His favorite teams were the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. His favorite activity was the family Christmas dinner with children and grandchildren. He personally made the envelopes and handed out his Christmas wishes. He will be with us in Spirit always. He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

The family would like to posthumously thank Father Larry Hemp, for his 35 plus years of guidance, care and love, Burt and PeeWee Heinrich for their years of expert farming help, Scott Mazurek for his handyman services and friendship, Trina and Gordon Ehlers for taking his repeated calls to fix his telephone and satellite issues, and Yolanda and Roman Gonzales for their caring companionship.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Mercy Retreat Center, 605 S. 19th Street, Slaton, TX 79364 or mercyrc.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.