Col. Eugene Albert Beyer (Ret)

Eugene "Gene" Beyer , 87, died at his home on December 28, 2024 from several long illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure. He was born in Abilene, Texas on July 29, 1937, the son of Erwin Frank Beyer and Georgia Avada Yates.

Gene graduated from Wylie High in Abilene with a scholarship to Texas A&M University. He joined the Corps of Cadets and graduated in 1959 with a commission in the Army. Gene loved flying and served as a helicopter pilot and battalion commander in Viet Nam. He was career military retiring in 1981. Before deploying to Viet Nam, Gene married Phyllis Arlene Lamb. Gene and Phyllis were married 41 years. They had two sons, Eugene Albert Beyer, Jr. and Christopher David Beyer.

In Viet Nam Gene distinguished himself as a brave pilot and exceptional leader. He believed his mission was to "bring all of his men home safely". Gene served 2 tours in Viet Nam with the Army and one tour with the Navy. Gene also served in Iran. The men who served with him say he was not only a fine officer, but also a father figure to them. He earned many awards, including a Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and his favorite, the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In 2006 Gene married Jenny Kay Donovan. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth Dale Beyer, brother Joseph Erwin Beyer, sister Barbara Jean Kirby and first wife Phyllis Beyer.

He is survived by his sister Rita Carol Bozarth, brother Ronald Frank Beyer and his wife Belinda, wife Jenny Kay, son Gene and daughter in law Thelma, son Chris and daughter in law Lisa, step son Ahmed Eldarrat and daughter in law Debbie Eldarrat, 6 grandchildren, Brett Dale Beyer, Brenda Lynn Beyer, Logan Beyer and Brianna Lee Beyer, Khadijah and Annalise Eldarrat as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gene was a devout Catholic who loved and practiced his faith to the end of his life.

In lieu of flowers you may make donations to ZimVana.org