Gene Rooze

Gene Edward Rooze, 82, of Levelland went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 10, 2016. Family visitation will be held from 10 - 12 PM on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at Krestridge Funeral Home in Levelland. Funeral services for Gene will held at 2 PM on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Levelland with burial to follow in Littlefield Memorial Park.

Gene was born January 16, 1934, in Crawfordsville, Indiana to parents, Fred and Helen (Hanover) Rooze. He grew up in Lafayette, Indiana with siblings, William Rooze, Ronald Rooze, Jack Rooze, and Karen Rooze. He was drafted into the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and served as aircraft mechanic from 1952-56 reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After obtaining his bachelor's degree at Purdue University, Gene began his life work in education teaching in the Glencoe and Evanston, IL Independent School Districts. After obtaining a master's degree at Northwestern, he earned a Ph.D. in Education at Southern Illinois University. He served as Professor of Education at Texas Tech University from 1969-1996. Gene authored five books, numerous articles, and dissertations during his tenure. Upon retirement he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus.

In his later years he was extremely active in his church and regularly toured with a national singing group. Gene also had an active prison ministry.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, brother, William Rooze; wife, Esta Mae Rooze, and stepson, Michael Todd.

Survivors include children, Mark Timothy, Vernon Mowatt, and Virginia Lynn; step-children, Cheri Hisaw, Charla Lopez, Eric Todd and Dana Todd; grandchildren, Marie Angelique, Megumi Sadoyama Rooze, Jeanette Winsor Rooze, Anthony Tyler Rooze, Alyssa Kate, Jamie Chronister, and Jill Misner; great grandchildren, Naomi Warner, Lynnsey Stanley, Kayla Shockley, Makael Misner, Jamison Chronister, Margot Chronister, and Cullen Chronister; and great great grandchildren, Sophia Shockley and Elliot Stanley.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home.

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