Ernest Eugene (Gene) McCain

Ernest Eugene (Gene) McCain, 83, of Midland Tx, passed away on January 12, 2021.  Private family graveside services will be held at Crane County Cemetery in Crane TX on January 23, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.  Due to the current Covid situation, a Memorial Service will be planned at a later date.

Gene was born on August 2, 1937 in Valentine Tx to Murry McCain and Barcy Ellen Brown McCain.  The family moved to Rankin Tx, where Gene attended Rankin schools from 2nd grade to high school graduation.  He was Vice President of his class and played in all sports.  Upon graduation, he received a football scholarship to Cisco Jr. College.  He earned his B.S. degree from North Texas University in Denton, and later on received his Master’s degree from Sul Ross University in Alpine Tx.  He was a teacher and coach for 30 years, also teaching driver education for a number of years after retirement.  Track was his favorite sport to coach, and many believed he was one of the best track coaches.  He had a great gift of encouragement and the ability to draw out the best from young people, always optimistic and seeing the good in everyone.

He married Catherine Almeda McKay in Crane Tx on December 23, 1958.  Gene was heartbroken to lose her to death after 17 years of marriage.

Gene and Karen Richards Hosier were married on December 26, 1975 in Midland Tx.

Gene loved camping, fishing and 4-wheeling.  He and Karen enjoyed several summers working as campground hosts in Arizona and Idaho, as well as time spent at their cabin in Timberon, N.M.    He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a special uncle to his nieces and nephews.  He extended unconditional love and generosity to his family.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Midland, and a long-time member and past President of the Partners Sunday School Class.

Gene is survived by his wife, Karen, by sons Matt McCain and wife, Tammy, of Midlothian Tx, and Michael McCain and wife, Denia, of Midland; grandsons Josh Jones of Buda Tx, Cade McCain of Midlothian, Stanton McCain of Abilene Tx, Michael Voorhies (Brooke) of Abilene, Jonathan Rosales (Megan) of Midland, granddaughter Codee Rosales (Jesus) of Odessa Tx, and 13 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother, Murray McCain Jr., sister Betty Jackson, sister Mary Lou Knox, sister Beth Janson, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Bruce McCain, Jack McCain, and Neal McCain.

Memorial donations may be made to AMOS (Area Missions Outreach Services) 908 S. Loraine St., Midland Tx 79701, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.