Gene Howard Pilgrim Sr.

Gene Howard Pilgrim, Sr., 84, of Quitman, passed away on October 14, 2025, in Tyler. He was born on February 4, 1941, in San Antonio to Jesse Eugene Pilgrim, Sr. and Letha (George) Pilgrim.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he attended Dallas Baptist University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. He spent many years working as a warehouse supervisor for Levi Strauss in Richardson before retiring in the mid 90’s.

On December 20, 1963, Gene married Karen Wilson in Corpus Christi. In 1994, the couple moved from Richardson to Quitman, where they became members of Myrtle Springs Baptist Church.

Gene was deeply proud of his heritage and was active in several lineage organizations, including the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Republic of Texas, and Sons of the War of 1812, where he also served as past president of each.

In his spare time, Gene enjoyed watching television and western movies, attending gun shows, and keeping things organized at home. He had a special appreciation for nature and couldn’t stand to see a tree being cut down, whether it was a single branch or a whole tree. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. His grandchildren lovingly knew him as “Papa.”

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Eugene Pilgrim Sr. and Letha George Pilgim, and half-brother, Jesse Eugene Jr.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 61 years, Karen Pilgrim of Quitman; four children, Letha Pilgrim of McKinney, Gene Pilgrim Jr. of Garland, Terry Pilgrim of Quitman, and Cherri Westing and husband Roger of Quitman; 10 grandchildren, Kaelyn Forbes, Jonathan Westing and wife Mel, Jared Pilgrim and wife Marianne, Amber Westing, Andrew Castro, Jillian Castro, Annabel Pilgrim, Abigail Pilgrim, Colt Pilgrim, and Amelia Jean Pilgrim; and one great-granddaughter, Josephine Pilgrim.

Graveside service for Gene will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Myrtle Springs Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, but those who wish to honor Gene’s memory in a special way are encouraged to plant a tree in his memory.