EUGENE (“GENE”) FRANCIS PROCHAZKA PERRY

EUGENE (“GENE”) FRANCIS PROCHAZKA PERRY, well-known rancher and Ozona businessman, passed away on August 13 at his beloved ranch in southeast Crockett County after a lengthy illness.

Gene was born in Steven’s Point, Wisconsin in 1932, the last survivor of five brothers, the late Robert, John, Richard, and David Prochazka. He is survived by his sister, Mary Jane Lentz, of Milwaukee. Gene came to Texas in 1952 while serving on stateside active duty in the United States Air Force. During his time stationed in San Angelo, he met and then married the late Betty Jean Tupper.

The couple are survived by three children, including Pat Eason and husband Jackie of Burleson, Peggy Bien and husband Mike of San Angelo, and Gregg Perry and partner Jodean of Austin. He is likewise survived by three grandchildren, Christi Butler of Burleson, Kevin Bien of San Angelo, and Amanda Perry of Brooklyn, NY. Finally, he also left behind numerous great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews in his extended family in Wisconsin.

Gene and Betty came to Ozona in late 1973 with their young son Gregg to take over the family ranch from Betty’s mother, the late Jean Henderson Tupper, shortly before her death. For the next fifty years Gene and Betty became fixtures in the local Ozona community, with both of them starting numerous successful businesses as well as contributing their time and resources to numerous West Texas charities. Perhaps most cherished by Gene were the annual West Texas Boys Ranch Deer Hunts and 4H Hunter Safety Camps which involved many Texas officials and members of the Ozona community.

Additionally, Gene was a well-known lover and breeder of championship sheepdogs and working border collies. He was co-owner of the Weir-Perry Kennels, and hosted many state, national, and even international border collie competitions and dog trials on the ranch that were well attended by both locals and visitors over many years.

In the late 1970’s, Gene ran for and served on the Board of the Crockett County Consolidated Independent School District. He also served on various other boards and commissions for local, state, national, and even international professional and agricultural organizations, and in 1995 was named the Resident Conservation Rancher of the Year for Texas Region II of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Texas.

Gene loved to travel both domestically and internationally, visiting many international destinations. An avid reader and scholar, Gene’s most prized possessions were the books in his extensive library from which he would often quote in lively discussions about almost any topic. He likewise had a great interest in classic cars that went back to his childhood.  This came to full fruition when he started Perry Motors (with four different locations in Ozona) during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Many stranded travelers on Interstate 10 would fondly remember Perry Motors and Ozona when Gene would never turn anyone away regardless of their ability to pay for repairs if he could get them back on the road and to their destination.

After his health started to decline, Gene spent most of his time on the ranch visiting with friends and family. The number of individuals who have enriched and impacted Gene’s life are simply too numerous to detail here. However, the family wishes to especially acknowledge the friendship, contributions, and comfort provided by Gloria Williams and her husband James for their decades of service to Gene on the ranch. They also wish to acknowledge the care of comfort of Interim Hospice (now Excel Care) and numerous private caretakers for their gentle and compassionate medical support of Gene over the last five years. Finally, no list would be complete without acknowledging Gene’s long-time physician and personal friend Dr. Marcus Simms (and staff) for being there when Gene needed it the most.

In keeping with Gene’s specific humble wishes, no service or memorial will be held marking his departure. Those wishing to honor him are encouraged to make a donation in his name to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, the Crockett County Public Library, or the Crockett County Museum.