Gene Luther Pike

GENE LUTHER PIKE

(November 21, 1938 - October 16, 2013)

Gene Luther Pike, 74, of Lewisville, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2013.

Gene had a work history including construction, driving trucks and operating heavy machinery. He eventually became a Field Engineer for companies such as IBM, Sander's Associates and Harris Corporation from which he "retired" as Director. He then ventured into the American Dream of being his own boss until actual "retirement" in 2005.

Upon retirement, he traveled the world with his wife, Arlene, be it Africa, the Middle East, South America or just traveling the United States. Wherever he traveled, he was sure to be carrying TONS of rocks and fossils for his wife.

He served on the Highland Village City Council for 5 years. He was a Board Member of Highland Village Parks Committee, Upper Trinity Water District and was a member of the Highland Village Lions Club.

Gene was never without a project, either at his house or anywhere else his many skills were needed.

He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, caring, thoughtfulness, honesty, integrity and love. He was a true mentor - calm, patient and passionate about anything he did.

Gene was intrigued by history - be it U. S. history or any of the many countries around the world he had traveled to with his wife, Arlene.

He always kept an open mind, always accepting of differences and never judging.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Arlene Joyce Pike; his children: Norene and husband Richard Lohnes of Biddeford, ME, Cindy Pike-Allen and husband Curtis of Naugatuck, CT, "Little" Gene Pike of Becket, MA, Mark Pike of Becket, MA, Laurie Pike of Naugatuck, CT, Dawn Dektor of Dallas, Steve and wife Bonnie Dektor of Keller, Marci Butler and husband Gene Butler of Fort Worth, Jeff Dektor of Highland Village, Valerie Whitford of Prospect, CT, Cheryl of Ohio, Ray Pike of Vermont and David Pike of Vermont; his siblings: Charlene Edmonson of Iowa, Joan and husband Earl Robinson of CT, Ellen and husband Carl "Min" Manahan of Austin, Donald "The Card Shark" Sunbury of FL, and Betty and husband John Begin of FL; 26 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and his great great-grandson.

Gene was preceded in death by his son, Steve Pike - husband of Christine of Joshua, TX; his daughter, Melissa McClendon, wife of Brian McClendon of Buffalo, MO; his brothers: Joseph Pike and Kenneth Sunbury; his sister, Marcella Pike; and his grandson, Michael "Mikey" Laclair Jr. - son of Laurie Pike.

Special recognition is given to Roxanne Baker and husband Chris and her children: Keisha and Marissa Picknell and Adam Baker all of VT; Allison George and her children: Kelly, Jonathan, Kenny and Heather all of CT; Anne Marie Hargraves of Pelham, NH; Ken Ashmore (the "Brother from another mother"); and, Jack Fulmer of Houston (the son he NEVER expected). There are so many, many more to thank and mention.

A Celebration of Gene's life will be held on Monday, October 28, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 740 Edmonds Lane, Lewisville, TX, 75067. A reception will follow at The Duvall Center, 948 Highland Village Road, Highland Village, TX, 75077.

In lieu of usual remembrances, the family requests that donations be made in the name of Gene L. Pike to the following:

Online: http://defendersoffreedom.us/

Mail: Defenders of Freedom
706 Stratford Lane
Coppell, TX 75019