Eugene R. Rennert, Jr.

Eugene R. Rennert, Jr. passed away on May 9, 2024. He was born on October 27, 1932, in Beeville, Texas to the late Eugene Remer Rennert, Sr. and Ida Dallas McCrocklin Rennert. 

Gene spent most of his formative years in Gatesville, being raised by his mother’s sister, Agnes McCrocklin Powell and her husband, Sam J. Powell, Sr. He fondly called them, Aggie and Popper. He considered his cousins, Martha Ann Powell Yows and Sam Powell, Jr. more like a sister and brother rather than cousins. His elementary grades were spent in the Gatesville school system. After primary education, Gene spent one year at Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College.

In 1951, he joined the Air Force. He was sent to Newfoundland during the Korean War. He left the Air Force in December,1953. 

He was married to Evelyn Uriwal. They had one son, Stephen Shawn Rennert who resides in San Antonio, Texas. Shawn said his father always instilled in him the moral responsibility not to lie to him or others. 

For 33 years, Gene worked for the chemical companies, Monsanto and Sterling. Upon retirement, he moved back to Gatesville. His desire was to live his life on the Powell Farm where he spent his youth. He enjoyed watching the deer and the farm animals. He remembered helping “Popper” tend the sheep. Over the years, Gene had the companionship of several what he called “farm dogs.” They were company for him when he worked in his shop. He enjoyed making toys and woodworking. He always considered the Powell Farm his home. It was a comfort to him to be around the calm surrounding of the farm in his final years. 

He is survived by son, Stephen Shawn Rennert of San Antonio. He is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; mother, Ida Dallas McCrocklin; father, Eugene Remer Rennert, Sr.; his other parents, Sam J. Powell Sr., and Agnes McCrocklin Powell; cousins, Martha Ann Powell Yows and Sam “Bubba” Powell, Jr.